D-Day

Many seem to care that this day represents 06/06/06. Well not me. All I see are the first two sixes and what comes after that I don't care. Today is D-Day. One of the most important days/events of World War II. It was the day that American and allied forces boldly invaded the beaches of Normandy, France to pursue Nazi positions encamped on the coastline. The invasion was incredibly risky as Nazi forces often had better and elevated positions. There were going to be casualties. The soldiers knew it, but they went anyway. They fought because they knew that it was the right thing to do. They put the good of their country and the good of humanity as a whole in front of their own good. D-Day was one of those events that marked the beginning of the end for Nazi forces. While more fighting would go on, it was a show of force from the allied side, and one that was long overdue.

Below is the speech that General Eisenhower gave to troops before they launched the attack on D-Day:

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the 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 and devotion to duty and skill in
battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great
and noble undertaking.

In the words of Eisenhower, "the eyes of the world" were upon these troops. The fate of the free world depended upon their success and bravery.