2014-06-06 Today is the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
When visiting the various sites of Normandy, it is impossible not be moved and to remember the valor and courage of those who came to roll back the NAZI tyranny over France and Europe.
The assault was originally planned for June 5th. However, due to poor weather General Dwight Eisenhower decided to move the date of the invasion to the 6th. It was among the largest amphibious assaults ever attempted. Following are some quotes from that historic day.
“We want to get the hell over there. The quicker we clean up this Goddamned mess, the quicker we can take a little jaunt against the purple pissing Japs and clean out their nest, too. Before the Goddamned Marines get all of the credit.” ~ General George S. Patton, Jr.
(This politically incorrect speech was given to Patton’s troops on June 5, 1944.)
“There is one great thing that you men will all be able to say after this war is over and you are home once again. You may be thankful that twenty years from now when you are sitting by the fireplace with your grandson on your knee and he asks you what you did in the great World War II, you WON’T have to cough, shift him to the other knee and say, Well, your Granddaddy shoveled shit in Louisiana. No, Sir, you can look him straight in the eye and say, Son, your Granddaddy rode with the Great Third Army and a Son-of-a-Goddamned-Bitch named Georgie Patton!” ~ General George S. Patton, Jr.
(This speech was delivered to Patton’s troops on June 5, 1944)
“Rangers, Lead The Way!” ~ Colonel Francis W. Dawson on the occasion of the Normandy Invasion, 1944
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….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.”
General Dwight D. Eisenhower giving the D-Day order on June 6, 1944.
http://americanhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/a/ddayquotes.htm
Video Credit: Pentagon Channel: 6/6/14
For a look at the Canadian role in D-Day focusing on Juno see the following: