As the world honors the 70th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy, I reflect on a recent visit to the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  Along with viewing the great treasures from our nation’s rich history, I read Gen. Dwight Eisenhower’s handwritten statement to be released had the June 6, 1944 invasion failed.  Ever pragmatic, he was hopeful for Operation Overlord’s success but prepared for the worst. 

While the document is preserved in protective casing, the paper has yellowed with age.  But the chilling power of his forceful words etched in pencil still remains.  “The troops, the air, and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do,” Eisenhower wrote, “If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”  I’m grateful this message remains a curious artifact for historians and not the sad reminder of a military strategy gone horribly wrong. 

It’s tempting to bask in the sunlight of history and conclude the invasion was an assured victory; yet Eisenhower knew better.  The strategy of crossing the English Channel to land at Normandy rather than the closer Calais was cunning, yet fraught with peril.  The Allies relied on cooperation from Mother Nature and were hopeful their inexperienced force was up to the task of liberating Europe from the clutches of the greatest evil the world has ever known. 

How terrifying the fury of the Germans must have been as the Allies set foot on Utah and Omaha beaches.  Eisenhower warned them, “Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.”  As the first wave of young troops waded through the choppy waters of the Normandy shores they encountered a hellfire of German artillery. 

Knowing the fate of freedom hung in the balance, the Allies pressed onward.  A massive force of troops, backed by the greatest armada to ever sail, hammered the German fortifications before gaining secure footholds on the unforgiving coastline.  On June 6th the tide turned.  While many rough days and horrors lay ahead, the liberation of Europe as orchestrated by Eisenhower had begun.

June 6, 1944 was the beginning of the end for the Nazi menace who enslaved a continent.  For those poor souls caught in Hitler’s iron grip it was the day that the dream of freedom became a tangible reality.  The Allies declared on D-Day that totalitarianism had no place in our world and that they would give their all to halt its oppressive march.  The world was never the same due to the heroism of those brave warriors.

While the guns are now silent and the skies no longer rain with death, the shores of Normandy stand as a mute witness to the extraordinary bravery of American, British, Canadian, and Allied soldiers on an overcast Tuesday morning 70 years ago.  As D-Day survivors gather, many for the last time, to commemorate their victory on the beaches of France the eyes of the world will be upon them once again.  They’ll honor the memories of the troops killed and how, as the sun set that vicious June day, Allied forces marched together toward victory.

Let us celebrate these heroes of the greatest generation who sacrificed their safety and security to preserve freedom around the world for ages to come.  Honor them not just on the 70th anniversary of D-Day, Veterans Day, or the commemoration of a major battle.  Thank these veterans every day and show our gratitude while we still can.