Seventy-nine years ago on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history against German-occupied France in an operation that served as a key turning point in World War II and came to be known as “D-Day.”
On Tuesday, the U.S. military honored the more than 150,000 troops who participated in the invasion, including the thousands who died that day.
Army West Point Athletics shared a video featuring Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s powerful D-Day message.
“Today in 1944, the eyes of the world were on our brave soldiers, sailors and airmen, who showed unwavering courage and devotion to duty on the coast of France. We honor and remember their dedication and fearlessness. #DDay,” Army West Point Sports tweeted, along with a video dedicated to the invasion.
The U.S. Army also quoted Eisenhower and shared a photo of the general talking to paratroopers prior to the invasion.
“‘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.’ – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower on #DDay,” the U.S. Army tweeted.
“‘The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. “Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well-equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely,'” the Army added.
The Marine Corps also paid tribute to the troops who took part in the D-Day invasion.
“Seventy-nine years ago #OTD, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. While few in numbers and often forgotten, around 700 #Marines were present on D-Day either ashore, or as members of ships’ detachments,” the U.S. Marines tweeted.
“To ensure success in Europe, dozens of Marines were integrated into Joint and Allied staffs to teach and observe amphibious operations beginning in 1942. These Marines helped to shape amphibious operations in the European Theater such as Operation Torch and Operation Overlord,” the Marines added.
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The Defense Department paid tribute to both the U.S. military and European allies who stormed the beaches at Normandy.
“Remembering the bravery of allied forces on #DDay. @USArmy & European allies participate in the 79th #DDay commemoration to recognize the @4thInfDiv’s contributions during #WWII in France. We will never forget the sacrifices that paved the way for our present freedoms,” the Department of Defense tweeted.
“Today marks 79 years since air, sea, and land forces reached Normandy and conducted the largest amphibious invasion in history. We remember and honor all of those who fought for freedom on D-Day,” Navy Athletics.
The U.S. Air Force retweeted a post written by U.S. Mission to NATO, which stated, “79 years ago, today 156,000 Allied forces landed in France and began the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany. Today, as we mark this turning point in WWII #DDay79, we reiterate our commitment to safeguard and, if necessary, defend our democracies from authoritarian regimes.”
