D-Day Commemorations Highlight Battle’s Significance, Sacrifices

By Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Joseph Magbanua, 86th Airlift Wing

CHERBOURG, France –“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.”

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft flies above Normandy American Cemetery, France, June 3, 2018. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua

Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War II, spoke these words to his troops before the Battle of Normandyon June 6, 1944.

Eisenhower, knowing the operation would be costly, prepared his men to face an epic struggle.

“Your task will not be an easy one,” he said. “Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.”

The battle, known as D-Day, was bloody. On the first day of the invasion alone, Allied casualties exceeded 10,000 troops.

However, the Allies managed to break through enemy defenses and establish critical beachheads. These achievements paved the way for the liberation of Europe — and ultimately victory over the enemy.