June 6, 1944: D-Day

This is almost a holy day for people like me, WWII history-buffs. The fact that most people are concentrating more on this present day's nonsignificance (6/6/06?) than it's history is expected, but sad. It's on this day in 1944 that the Allied march toward Germany began on Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold, and Juno beaches in Normandy, France (known as Operation Overlord). The following is the General Order of the Day issued to all in the U.S. armed forces on that day:

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Forces: 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 hopes 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 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 all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower; June 6th, 1944
Listen here.

A heartfelt thanks to all that gave, especially those that gave all.