D-Day: Eternally Honoring America's Courage

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

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

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 reawaken the nation with ethical leadership, character, and collaboration. 

Some timeless leadership lessons of this epic historical event, critical for inspiring America today, are as follows.

Rejuvenate America's Industrial Capacity

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

According to historian Stephen E. Ambrose, during D-Day, 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.

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 dignity, respect, and freedom.

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 be a lighthouse. We must respond to suffering humanity with moral authority in both word and action.

Character: Antidote to the Venom of Violence

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

Headlines of horrific acts of violence continue in our schools, campuses, movie theaters, malls, communities, and homes. 

Violence is wounding the heart of America. 

Even sacred places of worship, once thought to be sanctuaries of peace, are experiencing all too common tragedies.

America’s character led to the reclaiming of the tranquility for countless millions.  This took place on distant shores through the heroic events beginning 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, transform the nation.

We are America, we must not, and we will not, lose heart.

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author on critical American issues. He has over 300 published works, and eighteen cover stories for The Chief of Police. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen to Their Cries.

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and former confidant for the New York Yankees.

He served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families, and has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide.

 “We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of worship.  Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.  Security demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.”  

-Vincent J. Bove

www.vincentbove.com  

Contact: vincent@vincentbove.com

Twitter: vincentjbove

Photos
1. American Cemetery is the final resting place to more than 9,000 Americans that gave their lives in World War II. (Photo Credit: American Battle Monuments Commission)

 

2.General Dwight D. Eisenhower with U.S. troops (Courtesy National Archives)

3. American Cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer, a tiny Normandy village. (Courtesy White House)

4. Military Order of the Purple Heart, Colon-Rivera Chapter, NYC, Sept. 14, 2019. Vincent and Yiyi Bove with Purple Heart Recipients. (Reawakening America LLC)