Today, in 1944, the Allied Forces landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, off the English Channel, France's northern coast. Some actually parachuted in overnight the night before. Yes, they jumped out of a plane in the dark, into enemy territory, with people shooting at them. It was a bloody engagement. Many, MANY men were lost, but some landed and made their way inland, in an attempt to secure France, and then move on eastward to Germany, where the Nazis come from. Forces were provided by the Western Allies countries - Canada, the Free French Forces, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Weather had been a problem all of the end of May and even into the first days of June. Allied Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower was told by his meteorologist that the weather would clear marginally, to give enough moonlight to see and navigate, and to take advantage of the tide. The size of the operation required Eisenhower to make a decision before the weather change actually took place. The skies lifted, advance bombing missions were engaged, and paratroopers were loaded onto planes. The amphibious vehicles launched from ships at sea were readied, along with their occupants. Mostly teenage soldiers, who are now in their late 80's and early 90s today.
The rest is history, and the world is free because of these brave men and women, at all levels, including support off-site in England and elsewhere. Our troops were better led, had more freedom of engagement and strategy, and greater ingenuity to get personnel, equipment, and supplies there to keep the Front advancing. My step-father was in that war. Not at Normandy, but his stories of that war are fascinating. If you run into one of these guys or gals, thank them for their service, and ask them to tell you a story. For sure they have one, and are willing to talk.
Thank you to all who participated.
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