D-Day

6 June, 1944 ~ At the time, back in the States, it wasn't obvious what had happened. I've asked my mother how she felt when she heard the news. She doesn't really remember. In 1944, there were no 24-hour news channels offering instant images and expert analysis of the war. You found out the next day, or even the next week. We invaded France and it appeared successful. Lots of Allies died, but that's what happens in war. It wasn't until later that people could look back and see how D-Day really was a turning point.

Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis

It was a brutal, bloody battle ~ the Allies lost 4,400 young men (2,499 from the US alone). An additional 8,000 were wounded. It took the world far too long to grasp just how evil Hitler and the Third Reich were, but once they realized it, they gave their all to stopping him.

Over a million (yep, one followed by six zeroes) Allied troops were involved, mostly British & American, but also Canadian, Polish & French. Over 150,000 men landed. Think about that. 150,000 people ~ that's half again as many people in battle (on just one side) as attend the Minnesota State Fair on any single day. And there was no food on a stick waiting on the other side of the beach ~ just more C rations, more violence, more time away from loved ones.

Getting all those troops into Europe, along with their equipment turned the war. They gave us a foothold. Despite the boldness (recklessness? insanity?) of mounting such a huge invasion when the weather was a little iffy and things weren't exactly as planned, they succeeded, mostly. Not as quickly as anticipated, but they took the coast of Normandy. They marched toward Paris. They won.

These people faced hell. They helped stop the Axis. They helped end the war. It was, in the end, a very big deal. Everyone who was involved is a hero in my book. It was a team effort. I applaud it.

I appreciate them all immensely. If you (or your father, or grandfather) was there, be very proud. They did an amazing, brave thing.