Honoring the Heroes of D-Day: 80 Years of Remembrance

Eighty years ago today, on June 6, 1944, military forces from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Free France, among others, launched the largest amphibious invasion in history. On D-Day, nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel and established a foothold on the European mainland, enduring almost 10,000 casualties.

The courageous young men storming the beaches and parachuting into France on this fateful day set in motion events that would liberate a continent and perhaps the entire world from the evils of the Nazi regime, halting the spread of tyranny and authoritarian rule.

The outcome of the Normandy landings 80 years ago was far from certain. General Dwight D. Eisenhower even prepared a statement to be read in the event of failure, underscoring the high stakes and enormous pressure. Despite initial setbacks, such as the prolonged battles for Cherbourg and Caen, Operation Overlord eventually totaled over 2 million soldiers from more than 30 countries and liberated Paris on August 25. They pushed the German Army back across the Seine five days later, concluding this operation.

The triumph of the Allies in World War II ushered in over 70 years of democratic expansion and peace in Europe. Most of these brave soldiers are no longer with us, and those who remain are in their late 90s or older, embodying the spirit of what has rightfully been called The Greatest Generation.

Today, we honor their unwavering commitment to individual freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. They risked their lives, and many made the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations could live in peace and enjoy the freedoms they so valiantly defended and restored.

We must never forget the tremendous cost of the liberties many of us sometimes take for granted. Freedom is not guaranteed, and democracy is not a given. Both must be cherished, defended, and protected. Next time, we will discuss the current and growing threats to these values. But for now, on this solemn anniversary, let us simply say: Thank you. Thank you very much.

Feature Image Courtesy of The National WWII Museum