Friday, June 6, 2025 marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day, a major turning point in World War II when Allied forces forged together to liberate Nazi-occupied France. It was the largest amphibious invasion in our history, involving nearly 160,000 troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations landing on the beaches of Normandy, France as part of an operation codenamed “Overlord.”
While planning for the invasion began in 1942, it was not until General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in December 1943 that preparations for the operation moved forward at full force. Eisenhower and our Allied forces worked diligently planning the June 6, 1944 invasion, despite knowing that casualties would be great.
On June 6, President Franklin D. Roosevelt monitored reports from the front, as Allied troops stormed the beaches at Normandy. That evening, he addressed the nation via radio, asking Americans to join him in prayer for the Allied forces. The prayer was known as “Let Our Hearts be Stout” and was written by the President. One truly significant part of the prayer reads:
“They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end the conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.
“And for us at home - fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas - whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them - help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.”
The invasion of Normandy involved five beaches codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Surrounded by steep cliffs and heavily guarded by German forces, Omaha Beach suffered 2,400 casualties — the most of any of the beaches. Despite these heavy casualties, the Allied forces managed to secure a foothold on Omaha Beach, which was crucial for the success of the Normandy invasion. Altogether, more than 10,300 Allied troops were killed, wounded, or went missing during the invasion of Normandy.
These troops faced enormous danger before hitting the beaches — thousands died before reaching shore — but they pressed on, showing true courage in the face of such horrors. They are known as the “Greatest Generation.”
As of 2025, it is estimated that around 300 to 400 American and 150 to 200 British veterans of the Normandy invasion are still alive. By honoring all those who died, were wounded, or survived, we show these heroes that we will never forget what they did for our nation.
There are ways to pay tribute to these brave soldiers. For instance, you can attend a memorial or visit a historical site and discuss with the younger generation the significance of D-Day in order to keep its history alive.
One D-Day memorial is the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The memorial spans more than 50 acres and overlooks the town of Bedford which suffered a substantial number of losses on D-Day. Nineteen men from Bedford, all members of Company A, 29th Infantry Division, lost their lives that day, including three sets of brothers.
May God Bless all those who perished on D-Day. We should never forget that day. It is our responsibility to teach our youth the sacrifices our military makes for us.
We should also pay tribute to the people of Normandy who suffered many lost lives during this operation.
May God Bless America and may we continue to honor our heroes who gave us the nation that we hold so dear.
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