John,
76 years ago, today, the Greatest Generation stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the march to Europe’s liberation and the end of World War II.
Though the tide of the war was turning, victory was far from certain. Great sacrifices had already been made to protect and restore freedom around the world, and unheard-of sacrifices still were on the horizon.
On the beaches of Normandy, and in the months that followed, we saw the best of America. We saw that the best, and I mean the very best, America has to offer is in uniform. We still see that today.
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Dwight Eisenhower has always been one of my favorite historical figures and presidents. As we remember the 76th anniversary of D-Day, I wanted to share his full Order of the Day to the Allied Expeditionary Force, delivered June 6th, 1944:
"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 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, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory.
"Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."
God bless you. And God bless the women and men who wear the uniform of the United States during these uncertain times.
David Perdue
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