VETERANS RETURN TO NORMANDY TO CELEBRATE THE 80TH D-DAY ANNIVERSARY
Thursday, June 6th, 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day landings that took place along the Normandy coast during WWII. Ultimately, D-Day led to the liberation of Europe. This celebration comes upon us as the remaining survivor pool continues to dwindle, highlighting the importance of carrying on their stories, and the ideals that they upheld. Today, we’re going back in time and remembering this important event in history on the eve of the 80th D-Day anniversary.
What Is D-Day?
D-Day was the beginning of Allied operations that would go on to liberate Western Europe, ultimately ending World War II. We refer to the operation as “D-Day” because originally, the term was to mark the date on which operations were set to begin. This date was unknown at the time. The day before D-Day was referred to as “D-1,” while the day after was referred to as “D+1.” This ensured that the additional dates in the plan didn’t have to be changed if the invitation didn’t take place when predicted.On D-Day, June 6, 1944, approximately 156,000 Allied troops landed along the 50-mile French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. Around 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft took part in the D-Day invasion, which allowed the Allies to gain a foot-hold in Europe. This is the reason why the D-Day anniversary takes place on June 6th each year.Ultimately, around 9,000 Allied Soldiers either lost their lives or were severely injured. However, their sacrifice allowed for over 100,000 Soldiers to begin the journey of winning the fight against Hitler’s troops.
5 Key D-Day Facts You Should Know About
In light of the upcoming D Day Normandy anniversary, here are 6 important D-Day facts that you should know.
1. D-Day Was the Beginning of Operation ‘Overlord’
On June 6th, Allied forces parachuted into drop zones across northern France, landing on five beaches (Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold, and Sword). By the end of the operation, the Allies had begun establishing along the coast.
2. Detailed Planning Was Involved
With an operation this complex, there is no question that a lot of planning was necessary. Thus, Lieutenant-General Frederick Morgan submitted his plan for the invasion of Europe after Dunkirk. Plans for ‘Operation Overlord” began after the Tehran Conference, in 1943.
3. There Were Many ‘D-Days’ Throughout the War
‘D-Day’ is a general term for the start date of a military operation, and stands for ‘day.’ For this reason, the phrase was often used when the date of an operation was not known, or was a secret. Therefore, the term has been used quite a few times, but eventually became most commonly associated with the D-Day anniversary date of June 6th.
4. Extreme Weather Conditions Made More Challenges
The invasion was originally planned to occur on June 5th. Unfortunately, terrible weather conditions made it impossible for ships to set sail on that date. So, it was postponed to the day after, which became the official start date of the invasion.
5. Equipment Was Specially Created for D-Day
Because an invitation on such a scale had never occurred before, new technologies and equipment had to be created. One of the most notable inventions was the Mulberry Harbours. These were two temporary, portable harbours that helped make the unloading of cargo onto the beaches faster.
The 80th Anniversary of D Day Kicks off In Germany
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This year, Delta is operating a charter flight that will carry Veterans to observe the anniversary celebration in Germany. On Sunday evening, a group of Veterans boarded a flight in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Normandy to celebrate the anniversary. During this year’s trip, Veterans will be participating in parades, school visits, ceremonies, and an official D-Day commemoration. Over half of the Veterans going to Normandy haven’t been there in over 80 years. And, with most WWII Veterans being between the ages of 96 and 107, this trip is a milestone celebration. This year, only three female Veterans were able to make the trip. Representing the women who made tremendous sacrifices during this time is 98 year-old Jeanne Gibson. She was a part of the “Rosie the Riveters,” who played a crucial role during WWII. Another Rosie making the trip is Connie Palacioz. She is 99, and was a Rosie for years, working on B-17 planes. Lastly, Marjorie Stone is the oldest woman making the trip. At 100 years old, she is traveling to Germany to represent the 85,000 women who joined the workforce during WWII.
This June 6th, We Honor Those Who Lost Their Lives
Looking for ways to commemorate D-Day?Consider visiting the Normandy American Cemetery, which is hosting a commemorative event honoring those who made tremendous sacrifices. Tickets for the event are available for request by sending an email to dday80@abmc.gov. They are selling out quickly, so be sure to secure your spot in the ceremony. In the event that they reach capacity, visitors can join a waitlist. The Normandy American Cemetery’s ceremony will take place on June 6th, and will be closed to the general public. Only guests with a ticket can enter.If you are the family member of a Veteran who is buried or memorialized in the Normandy American Cemetery, or if you are traveling with a WWII Veteran and wish to attend the ceremony, you can request tickets using the email listed above. In your email, be sure to include your Veteran status.With the 80th D-Day anniversary soon approaching, there are several ways that you can mark the anniversary of this important day even if you can’t attend a local ceremony. Luckily, there is a simple thing you can do at home to celebrate the 80th D-Day anniversary: fly the American flag.The anniversary of D-Day is the perfect time to fly the American Flag high. Respect and honor our nation’s Veterans this June 6th with a flag outside your home. Be sure to brush up on your flag etiquette to show the utmost respect. Finally, with the D-Day anniversary fast approaching, be sure to honor those who changed the course of history with their bravery, and acts of heroism.Related reads:
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