Re-Blog of a tribute to those whose heroism and sacrifices lead the way to the defeat of Nazi Germany and helped us ensure freedom in the western hemisphere.
It’s been said, “Freedom isn’t free.” The Normandy Invasion, commonly called D-Day, signaled the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny and lead to victory in Europe. Of those who fought there, few remain to tell their stories. It is fitting that we continue to honor their sacrifices and heroism.
June 6, 1944
It’s been said, “Freedom isn’t free.” The Normandy Invasion, commonly called DDay, signaled the beginning
of the end of Nazi tyranny and freedom in Europe. Of those who fought there, few remain to tell their stories. It is fitting that we continue to honor their sacrifices and heroism.
Allied forces consisting of American, British and Canadian troops made up the main invasion force of over 160,000 ground combatants. Allied Navy and merchants ships numbered more than 5,000. Ships provided transportation and gunfire support during the invasion. At midnight before the amphibious assault, Allied Aircraft and gliders inserted almost 8,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines. This represented the largest armada and invasion force in history. Weather and timing were critical to the success of the mission, so was deception. It had taken nearly five years to reach this point in a war that began in September, 1939 with…
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Rich Weatherly - Author 
My Uncle Carl piloted one those landing crafts! Ah, the memories of a child!
Thank you Billy Ray and your uncle for his service.
My ship patrolled the northern Mariana Islands and islands to the north. I noticed our executive officer with a tear in his eye as we passed close offshore of Iwo Jima. Later I learned he piloted a landing craft there. They truly were the Greatest Generation.
Thank you for sharing, Billy Ray. I though I’d responded to your comment already. Those men set a standard for bravery that warriors continue to look up to. The executive officer of my ship, piloted landing craft at Iwo Jima and was strongly affected by that experience when our ship cruised offshore of the island during one of our patrols.
I have no words. We owe such a debt of thanks to those warriors.
Thank you, Sarah.
We should never forget their sacrifices. They faced the most horrifying obstacles imaginable, defeated fascism and restored freedom in western Europe.
God bless them and their service!