Operation Overlord

Today, marks the anniversary of Operation Overlord; better known as "D-Day". On June 6th, 1944, 850,000 soldiers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Free France, Poland and other Allied Nations crossed the English Channel to begin landing an invasion force to win back Western Europe from the clutches of Nazi Germany.

It was the largest invasion force ever assembled up until that time. The Commander in Chief, Allied Forces, General Dwight D Eisenhower had deep reservations regarding its success. More American soldiers lost their lives on that single day than in the 4 or 5 years of today's Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Back in those days, "The Greatest Generation" as they've become to be known, recognized the threat of their day; and rolled up their sleeves to work and defeat it. No one from the media ran around demoralizing the troops and no one from that Congressional era ran around declaring defeat before the operation even began! People back then seemed to have a knack for pulling together and working together to get the job done without the political backbiting that is so prevalent today.

So if you have a mother, father, aunt, uncle or grandparent who was part of "The Greatest Generation"; please take the time to thank them for their service, their courage and fortitude. If, in your family, they've all gone on to their reward, then take a moment to remember them, say a prayer for them and give them your thanks that way.

73 de Larry W2LJ