The following is an update from Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki.
On June 6th, 1944 almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies, landed on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, France. Allied paratroopers and glider-borne infantry were well-trained and highly skilled; except for many of them, it was their first experience of combat. On that day, over four thousand men gave their lives for the sake of freedom. Today, we acknowledge the 80th anniversary of one of the most important events that has taken place in the past century. Joined by British, Canadian, and Allied troops, American soldiers stepped into the jaws of death on that fateful morning. Delegates Nawrocki and Szeliga believe that every American past, present, and future is forever indebted to these brave men and women for the blood they spilled to preserve our great country.
A famous photograph taken by Robert F. Sargent depicts the landing of troops of E Company, 16th Infantry Regiment of the United States 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) at Omaha Beach in the early hours of June 6, 1944. Today, the beach is a quiet and peaceful scene with statues of soldiers commemorating what took place on the Longest Day. This event in American history is a testament to our values – which are currently under attack. The greatest generation saved the world from tyranny that day, and we must never forget their unwavering courage. Thank God they were willing to face evil that morning. Those American soldiers sacrificed for our freedom and for the entire Western world.
Delegate Szeliga visited Normandy in 2019 and was moved by the experience of witnessing the place where so many came together to strike against evil. So, on this 80th anniversary, take a moment and remember you don’t need to face this scene of horror at 6 am.
It is worth reading the message sent to the troops from President Eisenhower on that fateful Longest Day:
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, 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.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! 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 beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Source: National Archives
Photo via U.S. Coast Guard
