Americans faced the worst of the landing sites chosen and yet they achieved all objectives despite their heavy casualties. The stakes were high enough for the world - defeat would be worse than the debacle of Dunkirk. Yet those 18, 19 & 20 year olds faced their challenge and overcame the battle-hardened Germans with an overwhelming plan, raw physical strength and sheer determination to grasp a starting point in wiping away Europes fascism and pacifism which allowed it life in the first part. The longest day was Eisenhowers best chance to execute a beginning to the end for Nazi rule, and while he knew casualties would be high, his options were limited to liberate the continent, exorcise entrenched veterans and bring peace to a war-weary people. Reagan named them The Greatest Generation and they were, but they never knew what they would overcome. Young men & women {medical}, volunteers & draftees, from cities & towns, factories & farms, these Americans faced their challenges and loss, not for self or gain, nor for their lives half a world away, but they suffered, sacrificed & risked all for complete strangers. Throughout the twentieth century,America sacrificed her youth, their blood & sweat painted the beaches, desserts & mountains of our world, but no campaign was so pivotal as Omaha, Juneau, Sword & Gold. Todays veterans are heirs to this legacy of our forefathers, and we are indebted to both. We praise the men & women in the present, but we must always honor, remember & revere those of our past and in particular, those of The Greatest Generation.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 11:05:13 +0000
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