D-Day

Being that today is the anniversary of D-Day, We should take a moment to remember the brave men who were THERE 67 years ago. We will not have these living examples of selfless heroism forever. And as time goes on D-Day seems to become a 15 second blurb on the news. Forgetting these men, and the example they are, CANNOT be allowed the happen.



They assaulted a beach. Open, unforgiving terrain with little or no cover. German soldiers sat entrenched in hardened concrete bunkers raining machine gun and artillery rounds down on them. Most of the first waves perished within seconds, the men who were the first to hit the beaches had to know they were marching to their death.

YET THEY STILL WENT. 10,000+ Casualties. YET THEY STILL WENT. To Protect FREEDOM.





Of D-Day, Cartoonist Charles Schulz said, “I think there are certain things that must never be forgotten.... It’s one of those days we must not forget.”



"Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
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." ~ General Dwight D. Eisenhower's message to troops before the Normandy landings.

Rest well Sirs. Know that some will NEVER forget.
One of the reasons they are 'The Greatest Generation'.

Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986-1992