I think of the sacrifices not only of those who died fighting an evil tyrant and his minions, but also those who survived it only to live with the scars and memories which have haunted them every day since. I think of the unity of those who remained at home supporting the boys as they lived a hell we'll never understand.
I pray that all these generations later, our country, our leaders, our citizens, would all take a moment to examine ourselves to see if we have lived up to the heroism of the "Greatest Generation". Let us not forget the price which has been paid for our freedom. Let us not forget the price which has been paid by those who stood up to an evil empire which threatened to take over the world. Let us remember the examples of our leaders who considered it our God-ordained responsibility to defeat evil, and emulate it these 65 years later as we face a similar threat to our country and our world.
Please watch this video. You can even click the little icon to expand it to your entire computer screen. Listen to the words of the men who are telling their stories and re-living their memories of that fateful day. If you know someone who served in World War II, or any conflict before or since, go out of your way to thank them for their service.
Before you watch the video, read these words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower to the men just before they embarked on this incredible mission:
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a 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, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
-- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
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