On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the largest amphibious invasion in history against German-occupied France, in an operation that serve as a key turning point for World War II.
June 6, the day Allied forces planned to start the invasion of Normandy was known as “D-Day,” and each year, the U.S. military commemorates the troops who participated in the invasion.
On Sunday, the U.S. Army tweeted in recognition of the thousands of allied paratroopers who participated in parachute drops overnight ahead of the main amphibious invasion force.
“Today, the day before #DDay — 78 years ago. Thousands of paratroopers watched the sun go down, prepared to take the fight to evil itself. We remember them today, tomorrow, and forever. #Army247,” the Army tweeted.
On Monday morning, the Army also tweeted a short video showcasing the role the airborne troops played in the invasion of Normandy. The video included interviews with various veteran paratroopers who participated in the invasion.
The XVIII Airborne Corps tweeted another video showcasing the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. The cemetery includes maps of the various maneuvers the U.S. forces carried out during the invasion.
“HALLOWED GROUNDS Today is the 78th Anniversary of #DDay. On June 6, 1944, Allied Forces set to secure a foothold in France to begin the liberation of Europe,” the XVIII Airborne Corps tweeted. “Thousands of American Soldiers died on #DDay & in the days that followed. Today, we remember them & their sacrifice.”
The 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One,” tweeted, “The First Infantry Division returns to Omaha Beach. The commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and @FortRiley, MG John Meyer, speaks to Soldiers of the division about sacrifice, dedication to duty, and the great legacy of 1ID. #DDay #StrongerTogether.”
The 1st Infantry Division was tasked with taking Omaha Beach, where some of the most intense fighting of the amphibious landing occurred on D-Day.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa paid tribute to veterans of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions, who scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to take out German bunkers that could fire on Utah Beach.
“During a #DDay 78 ceremony yesterday at Pointe du Hoc, France, the site where @USArmy Rangers scaled vertical cliffs IOT capture German bunkers & machine gun posts, #WWII @USNavy Veteran John T. Siewert is honored by French officials & Gen. Christopher Cavoli.”
On Monday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin tweeted a quote by then-Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower on the day of the Normandy invasion.
“‘I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory.’ – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 6, 1944. #DDay.”
The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) tweeted photos taken of its commander, Gen. Tod. D Wolters, at a D-Day anniversary event on Sunday.
