JUNE 6, 1944.
JUNE 6, 1944.
Fewer remain each day. The numbers of those still living who participated in the D-Day invasion and those who participated in WWII overall diminishes each day. According to US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, we are losing 372 veterans per day. But our appreciation and gratitude should never diminish. There is no doubt that the sacrifices of that day represented a turning point in the Allies efforts to defeat Nazi Germany and bring an end to the war. Over 16 million Americans served in the United States military in World War II, Including 400,00 women. D-Day was a combined effort of many Allied nations. We humbly remember those who fought for liberty that day -- and throughout World War II -- and may we never forget their service and sacrifice.
D-Day dead -- 4,413 total Allied deaths. 2,499 American. 1,914 other Allied nations (including 359 Canadians).
Entire Battle of Normandy -- More than 209,000 Allied casualties. Nearly 37,000 dead among the ground forces and another 16,714 among the air forces. Of the Allied casualties, 83,045 were from the 21st Army Group (British, Canadian and Polish ground forces) and 125,847 from the U.S. ground forces. (Source, Omaha World-Herald)
D-Day. The General Eisenhower Letter.
D-Day. The General Eisenhower Letter.
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
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, devotion to duty and skill in battle.
We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
For the Greatest Generation, it was the Longest Day. Over three-quarters of a century ago, in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious invasion ever mounted went ashore at Normandy in France. Preceded by thousands of paratroops landing a few miles inland, the first waves of Allied troops stormed out of landing craft at dawn on beaches with code names that would become familiar to future generations - Omaha, Utah, Juno, Sword and Gold. Thus began D-Day, the final Allied push to free Europe from tyranny. We at Winchester Repeating Arms proudly salute the bravery and sacrifice of all those who endured and triumphed on the Longest Day.
Read Winchester goes to War for the history of Winchester firearms used in the defense of freedom around the world.
"Remember" could be the most important word in any language. At Winchester Repeating Arms we try to remember this important commemorative day each year. This day always reminds us of a generation of men and women who understood the concepts of freedom, courage, duty, determination, honor and sacrifice. We honor those Americans, Candians, British, Australians, the free forces of Europe and others of the allied forces who gave all on this day in 1944. And we honor all those who have left us since. Very few of the brave men and women who participated that day are still with us . . . and their numbers are dwindling fast. From all of us at Winchester Repeating Arms, thank you.
An audio version of The General Eisenhower Letter can be listened to on the YouTube video below. Provided on the U.S. Army YouTube channel. For additional information visit the Official US Army website.
