75th Anniversary of D-Day: Eternally Honoring America's Courage

America, and all dedicated to freedom throughout the world, must reverently pause on Thursday, June 6, the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

On D-Day, good triumphed over evil and the end of World War II began.

D-Day’s anniversary recalls the Western Allies beginning the Invasion of Normandy to free mainland Europe from Nazi occupation. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the United States and Allied Forces were victorious. America and its allies liberated millions of innocent people being oppressed and murdered by Hitler and the Nazis.

Just prior to the D-Day offensive, the immortal words of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, ignited inspiration:

“Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! … The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you … 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. … 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!”

D-Day reminds us of the true meaning of character—individuals who laid down their lives for others and in doing so saved the world.

These heroes must be eternally honored.

D-Day Highlights

*The largest seaborne invasion in history
*13,000 Allied paratroopers flown in from nine British airfields in over 800 planes
*A military armada with over 156,000 troops, 5,000 vessels, and nearly 30,000 vehicles
*More than 11,000 aircraft
*More than 300 planes dropping over 13,000 bombs over coastal Normandy prior to D-Day
*Over 9,000 Allied soldiers dead or wounded by the end of the day of June 6
*The beginning of Europe’s liberation and the end of World War II—the deadliest military conflict in history that resulted in the loss of 60 million–80 million lives

Leadership Lessons for Today

It is not enough to commemorate D-Day by reverently pausing. We must ignite transforming action and rehabilitate the nation.

Here are some timeless leadership lessons of this epic historical event so critical for America today.

Appreciate Industrial Capacity

D-Day gives us appreciation of America’s industrial capacity and can give us the courage to transform it.

According to historian Stephen E. Ambrose, during the D-Day invasion and in the days afterward, American GI’s were better equipped than their foe because our vehicles were superior. Germany could not compete with America’s two-and-a-half-ton truck or the jeep.

American factories were across the ocean from Normandy while German factories were close at hand. Yet, America received more vehicles and better designed ones to the battlefield in less time.

The General Motors scandal—delaying a recall of defective ignition switches for years, resulting in injuries and deaths—dishonored America. The company was fined $35 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation. GM failed the nation because they failed to fix a preventable and inexpensive problem.

Our nation must again represent the highest standards of manufacturing that proudly proclaims “Made in America.”

The World Is a Family

The world is a family with each person of every nation deserving of dignity, respect, and protection.

America must forever remain faithful to its legacy of compassion for the vulnerable and oppressed. Whenever there is human suffering at home or abroad, America must respond with moral authority in both word and action.

Character Counters Violence

America must reclaim its communities from the appalling culture of violence.

Headlines of horrific acts of violence continue in schools, campuses, movie theaters, malls, communities, and homes. Violence brings heartbreak nationwide. Even sacred places of worship, once thought to be sanctuaries of peace, are experiencing incidents becoming all too common.

America’s character led to the reclaiming of the tranquility for countless millions on distant shores through the heroic events that began on D-Day.

Our nation can and must also bring security to communities throughout our homeland by rehabilitating the character exemplified on D-Day and, in doing so, reawaken the nation.

Photos

1. D-Day tribute. (Courtesy U.S. Army)
2. General Dwight D. Eisenhower addresses American paratroopers prior to D-Day and gives the order of the Day. He states "Full victory-nothing less" just before they board their airplanes to participate in the first assault in the invasion of the continent of Europe. General Eisenhower is meeting with US Co. E, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (Strike) of the 101st Airborne Division. The photo was taken at Greenham Common Airfield in England about 8:30 p.m. on June 5, 1944. The General was talking about fly fishing with his men as he always did before a stressful operation (Eisenhower speaks with Hartsock). (Courtesy National Archives)
3. Liberation is a bronze Holocaust memorial created by sculptor Nathan Rapoport. It is located in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, in Hudson New Jersey. Officially dedicated on May 30, 1985, the Liberation monument illustrates an American soldier, carrying the body of a Holocaust survivor out of a Nazi concentration camp. (Vincent J. Bove)
4. American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, a tiny Normandy village. (Courtesy White House)

Note Well

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Vincent is author of 275 articles. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning. He also has thirteen cover stories published in The Chief of Police.