To many, those five names strung together mean something. There are others that have no clue what they mean. They are the five beaches on the Normandy coast that saw the largest armada bring the invasion force that truly started the liberation of Europe, 78 years ago today, June 6, 1944.
For those who know what those names mean and what they stand for, it is imperative that you try and teach those who don't know, what they mean.
There was a book, and then a movie about that day, "The Longest Day". That was not a made up name. Approximately 6 weeks before the invasion, while inspecting the German coastal defenses Field Marshal Erwin Rommel had much to say, including: "The first twenty-four hours of the invasion will be decisive…for the Allies, as well as Germany, it will be the longest day." Spoken to his aide, Hauptmann Helmuth Lang, 22 April 1944.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower (yep, didn't have his 5th star yet) had these words for the troops that were going in on that day. Read them by clicking here.
Two statements, that some find old.........but others will say they are very true, and should never be forgotten or taken lightly.
Freedom isn't free......and......all gave some, some gave all.
We must be forever vigilant, that no enemy, from without or within, destroys what those who have gone before us have done.
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A lesson in responsibility: General Eisenhower drafted a speech should the invasion have been a failure:
"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops," Eisenhower wrote. "My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone." Fortunately, for the world, he did not have to deliver that.
