June 6, 1944

Today marks 66 years since the allied naval invasion of the Normandy beaches. Equally important to the overall offensive assault was the air landing of 24,000 allied troops behind the German lines. American troops suffered the highest number of casualties during the campaign with estimates in the range of 6500 killed, wounded, or MIA. The British suffered about 3000 casualties. It's also worth noting that there were between 4000-9000 German casualties. Sad that so many young German boys, with mothers who loved them, had to die for such a worthless cause.

160,000 troops landed on those French beaches on June 6, 1944, the largest naval invasion of all time. That day was a turning point in WWII with the fall of the Third Reich becoming essentially inevitable with an Allied victory. I don't think the importance of that day on the history of civilization can be overstated. There are always tipping points during a war - Gettysburg during the Civil War, Washington's famed crossing of the Delaware during our Revolution, and D-day during WWII. An allied victory may have meant the difference between continued hope for liberty in Europe and beyond and victory for tyranny and fascism.

I can't comprehend the fear that must have consumed every thought of every soldier on those boats that were destined for battle. What bravery they must have possessed as they willfully stepped into the water and began to be peppered by much higher caliber German gunners! What an awful scene must have developed as they advanced up the beach. But what a legacy they left for us and for future generations of Americans. And what an example of bravery and loyalty to freedom and right. Here's a quote from General Eisenhower when he issued the D-day orders.

"You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely....The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

Today I honor and remember the brave American, British, Canadian, and French boys who did the unthinkable and, in the process, saved the world from the unadulterated evil of Hitler and Mussolini. May we never forget what they died defending, for if we do their deaths are in vain.