June 6, 1944, 65 years later....

[Coach]

Saturday marks the anniversary of "D-Day," referring to the D-Day invasion in Europe in 1944. This year commemorates the 65th anniversary of Operation Overlord, or "D-Day," when thousands of American and British troops landed on the shores of Normandy with the objective of securing it from Nazi Germany, through additional land and naval support of other Allied nations.

The assault, the largest seaborne invasion in history to that time, is considered to be the turning point in the war toward the Allied victory, but it was not without cost. Total Allied casualties on D-Day are estimated at 10,000, including more than 2,500 dead.

Today, 65 years later, as our World War II veterans of our greatest generation are passing on, Americans reflect on the significance of June 6, 1944, and the historical importance of Operation Overlord. More than 330,000 Wisconsin service members served in World War II, with close to 43,000 of them alive today; only a certain percentage of them took part in Operation Overlord.

The National World War II Memorial on the national mall in Washington, D.C., was dedicated five years ago, on May 29, 2004. The National Honor Flight Network is bringing World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans to visit the memorial. There are several flight hubs in Wisconsin with future flights being planned.

Also in keeping the historical significance alive, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum preserves the materials and memories of all Wisconsin veterans, including those at D-Day, through the Wisconsin Veterans Oral History Project, as well as archives and object collections.

Let us all remember the importance of the heroic invasion 65 years ago on "D-Day."

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[Gonzo]

The greatest battle in millitary history IMO.

Several different branches of the millitary, not all Americans either, being able to coordinate a mass effort such as this is awe inspiring. Many things went wrong on that fateful day but in the end, the planned results proved true.

Whenever I meet a man who fought in this battle, whether he was in the infantry, a troop boat driver or a cook I am star struck.

My Grandfather was a Glider Pilot and he flew into Normandy on that morning. I was never able to meet him unfortuantely...

IKE: 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 the 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 and devotion to duty and skill in
battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great
and noble undertaking.

[Buehler445]

Everybody needs to read "Ike: An American Hero". It chronicles the Ike's life, most notably the decision to push forward with DDay. Great read. Really puts a scope on the operation.
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[Donger]

History geek fact: Eisenhower wrote a note taking full responsibility for the failure of the landings.

http://www.archives.gov/education/le...re-message.gif

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Donger

History geek fact: Eisenhower wrote a note taking full responsibility for the failure of the landings.

http://www.archives.gov/education/le...re-message.gif

Yeah, I seen that, as well as several books mentioning that note. Let's just say thankfully that note wasn't needed.

[cdcox]

It was the dark of the moon on the sixth of June...

[HC_Chief]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

The greatest battle in millitary history IMO.

Several different branches of the millitary, not all Americans either, being able to coordinate a mass effort such as this is awe inspiring. Many things went wrong on that fateful day but in the end, the planned results proved true.

Whenever I meet a man who fought in this battle, whether he was in the infantry, a troop boat driver or a cook I am star struck.

My Grandfather was a Glider Pilot and he flew into Normandy on that morning. I was never able to meet him unfortuantely...

It is amazing what they accomplished. The landings were SNAFU on Utah and Omaha, with hundreds losing their lives before even making it to shore. The tanks which were supposed to land in support all sank. That left thousands of foot soldiers exposed on a 300+yard stretch of wet sand. They had to run to assault sheer cliff faces peppered with hardended bunkers and machine gun nests under constant withering fire.... and they did it; in less than a full day!

Serendipitous timing (Rommel was on vacation during the landing) and incompetence at the highest level of German command (Hitler refused to release the reserve Panzer divisions to counter) helped to ensure a strong foothold. From there, the war was won for us. It was only a matter of time.

[raybec 4]

The people of that generation made sacrifices of a personal nature that most of us can only imagine. The patriotism and sense of belonging to something special they exhibited, whether they fought in the war or bought war bonds or just rationed all of their personal purchases, it was astounding.

[MOhillbilly]

I wonder how many of those young men knew they were gettin the full measure that day....God Bless Em.

[CoMoChief]

Gotta pay respect our troops for literally just going out there knowing they're running right into a line of fire.

[raybec 4]

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

I wonder how many of those young men knew they were gettin the full measure that day....God Bless Em.

Not just that day either, those were different times forthe military as well. Those guys went to war when it started and didn't come back 'til it was over. Heroes each and every one.

[BigMeatballDave]

My grandfather survived Normandy.

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by raybec 4

Not just that day either, those were different times forthe military as well. Those guys went to war when it started and didn't come back 'til it was over. Heroes each and every one.

Indeed they were.

[Demonpenz]

i can empathize with them after playing medal of honor online

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by cdcox

It was the dark of the moon on the sixth of June...

Greatest convoy ever.