Post by KathyInArkansas on Jun 6, 2010 11:33:16 GMT -5
Our View: On D-Day plus 66 years, our 'undying
gratitude'
editorialboard@thetowntalk.com • June 6, 2010
Today we look over our shoulder to reflect on the
moment in history that guaranteed the free world
would remain so. Today is D-Day plus 66 years.
It has been 66 years -- more than three generations
-- since American and Allied troops stormed the
beaches at Normandy, France, the start of an assault
that would end Nazi Germany's occupation of
Europe and North Africa and crush the Third Reich.
On June 6, 1944, U.S. Army Gen. Dwight D.
Eisenhower, commander of the Supreme
Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, gave the
order that changed the world forever:
"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 defeat 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."
Sixty-six years later, Eisenhower's words stand. So
does this, spoken 10 months later by President
Harry S. Truman to members of Congress:
"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in
the service of our country can never be repaid. They
have earned our undying gratitude. America will
never forget their sacrifices."
Remember their sacrifices, America, today and every
day.
www.thetowntalk.com/article/20100606/OPINION/6060308/Our-View-On-D-Day-plus-66-years-our-undying-gratitude-
gratitude'
editorialboard@thetowntalk.com • June 6, 2010
Today we look over our shoulder to reflect on the
moment in history that guaranteed the free world
would remain so. Today is D-Day plus 66 years.
It has been 66 years -- more than three generations
-- since American and Allied troops stormed the
beaches at Normandy, France, the start of an assault
that would end Nazi Germany's occupation of
Europe and North Africa and crush the Third Reich.
On June 6, 1944, U.S. Army Gen. Dwight D.
Eisenhower, commander of the Supreme
Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, gave the
order that changed the world forever:
"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 defeat 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."
Sixty-six years later, Eisenhower's words stand. So
does this, spoken 10 months later by President
Harry S. Truman to members of Congress:
"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in
the service of our country can never be repaid. They
have earned our undying gratitude. America will
never forget their sacrifices."
Remember their sacrifices, America, today and every
day.
www.thetowntalk.com/article/20100606/OPINION/6060308/Our-View-On-D-Day-plus-66-years-our-undying-gratitude-