In Remembrance of D-Day

Launched in 1944, Operation Overlord was planned as a way to push the Nazi army out of France and to get allied boots on the ground in Europe.

The Nazis had taken over Europe and had no intention of yielding any territory. Operation Overlord was planned to make them yield turf, anyway.

While allied troops pushed up through Italy, it was well-known that in order to shut Hitler down a much broader front would be necessary.

Dwight D. Eisenhower had taken the helm at the beginning of 1944 for Operation Overlord. This was the plan to open up that new front. The attack was planned for June 5th. 

As we all know, fate would intervene.

Leading up to this day, Canada, U.S., and Britain coordinated together for this attack on the west part of France – specifically in Normandy. A campaign to misdirect the German army was put into place to conceal the exact invasion point, featuring none other than General George Patton.

There were five beaches that were being invaded – Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword. These five beaches stretch over 50 miles along France’s coast. This section of France was selected for myriad reasons, not the least of which being that it was not Calais, the most logical landing point.

Originally planned for June 5th, Operation Overlord was delayed due to weather concerns by a day.

“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.”

Dwight D Eisenhower

Operation Overlord was given the greenlight.

The invasion started at 6:30am. There had already been thousands of paratroopers dropped in the early hours of D-Day. 

Across the five landing zones, soldiers battled for the beaches. It was a bloody day, but the landings, and the entire Second Battle for France were a success. 

This battle was a turning point in the war where the Allied forces were able to push back the Nazi Army which ultimately led to their surrender May 8th, 1945. 

We remember the sacrifice all the Allied forces made to win this battle and the important moment this was in world history. 

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