On June 6th, 1944, the Allies began an invasion to liberate France and the rest of Western Europe from Nazi control. Over the course of this invasion, many Americans were willing to sacrifice their lives to fight fascism and restore freedom throughout the entirety of the Western World. Their heroism during one of the darkest chapters in history is a great example of the courage and resilience of our American servicemembers.
The Normandy landings became the largest seaborne invasion in history, involving nearly 5,000 landing and assault craft, 289 escort vessels, and 277 minesweepers.
The success of D-Day was not without its challenges and massive losses. Around 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on D-Day, with 875,000 disembarking by the end of June. Despite Allied casualties of at least 10,000 on the first day, including 4,414 confirmed dead, the Germans failed to repel the invasion.
The Normandy campaign evolved into a grueling battle of attrition, underscoring the resilience of both Allied forces and the tenacity of the enemy. Despite setbacks, the Allied advance prevailed, leading to the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.
As we honor the sacrifices of our veterans, we must also recognize the ongoing struggle against fascism and oppression we see today. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant in defense of democracy, liberty, and equality. The fight against fascism is not confined to the annals of history but remains a pertinent endeavor in our contemporary world.
In commemorating our veterans, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values for which they bravely fought. Their sacrifices will forever be etched in the annals of history, inspiring future generations to stand against tyranny and injustice.
With deepest gratitude,
The Team at No Dem Left Behind
