D-Day Anniversary

On this day 69-years ago the United States military along with the Allied Forces invaded Nazi-controlled Europe to counter the tyrannical and aggressive Nazi regime.

This video is the speech that the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, gave prior to this monumental invasion:

Transcript:

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, 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. 

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. 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!

Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

- General, President, and Brother Dwight D. Eisenhower

Remembering this day reminds me of the poem said at the end of the finale of the HBO series Band of Brothers:

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother"

 - Henry V

Let us remember not just on this day, but every day the efforts the few put forth to counter the Nazi occupation and fight a truly righteous fight against tyranny.