D-Day: It was the largest and riskiest invasion in human history. Courage worth commemorating, yes. But beyond that, if June 6, 1944 still has something to teach us–and I believe it does–it may be this:
‘Into the Jaws of Death’ by Chief Photographer’s Mate Robert F. Sargent
Celebrating Their Victory
The Price of D-Day
Thank you for this reminder. We must never forget.
So well and succinctly said. Thank you.
One point: It was the largest amphibious invasion in history; the largest overall was Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of what was then the Soviet Union, with over 3 million troops along a 1,000-mile front. (I think, though, a case can be made that Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, had a larger initial landing force from the sea – seven Allied divisions in two separate landing areas – compared to the five that landed at Normandy.
Last fall, I visited Sicily and the WWII museum in Catania. Three years earlier, I was in Normandy. Both places reminded me of the cost of fighting fascism once it has taken root.
It’s true that we should hold to the memories of Normandy, Sicily, Salerno, and the other battlefields of World War II. Back then, the Allies (including the U.S., Britain, and Canada) were fighting fascism. In 2025, fascism is threatening to overthrow the beliefs we fought for between 1939 and 1945……
Such altruistic courage. We have so much to be grateful for.
Indeed, Sandy.
This is why it’s important to teach and learn from history that has been recorded without bias.
I couldn’t agree more, Nancy.
Through the years I met almost a doze men who landed at Normandy. One was a member of a congregation I served in Bremerton, Washington. They lost so many of their friends that the memories of that day were quite grim.
Sadly, almost none of them remain. Happily, those who followed Jesus have had all of their tears wiped away.
Amen, Rob.
So well said, Mitch, thank you.
My privilege, Dana.
It’s important to learn from history.
It is indeed, Vanya.
D-Day is both sad and encouraging. The cost was great, but the results were a miracle. I hope we have the guts to fight for freedom this hard now.
Thanks for this moment of remembrance. There wasn’t much said about it yesterday. May we never forget the cost of freedom.
Great Reminders
I love Nancy’s comment..,yes, yes! Learning from history! Thank you, Mitch. ❤️
My privilege, Vicki.
Thank you for marking the day. The further we get the more we forget. Evil certainly still exists and I hope the courage still does as well. My father was a WWII veteran and though he did not participate in D-Day the Battle Cruiser he was on escorted supplies from Canada during that time.
A lovely tribute Mitch
Thank you, Kate.
So happy to see something posted on this important day, June 6th. Thank you, Mitch. Should you ever find your way to the sweet, little town, Bedford, VA, the National D-Day Memorial is stunning and unforgettable.
I’ll keep that in mind, Mitzy.
I echo your thanks to those who fought on D-Day. They must never be forgotten.
Men fought and won. thats the way right there
You are so right about evil and courage, something particularly relevant today. I have stood (and cried) on Juno Beach, where Canadian troops landed on D-Day (about 14,000 of them) and thought about all the losses, and the unbelievable courage it took to even get off the landing crafts. Thank you for this important post.
That must indeed have been a profound moment for you.
To the Greatest Generation, Thank You!! 💕
Good Post
There are some amazing stories of the training that happened in Brixham and Torquay, near to where I live.
Here is a link which gives you a bit more detail https://www.brixhamtheatre.org.uk/brixham-embarkation-mural
Take care, Julian
How cool, Julian. I’ll check it out.
Heroes all.
On the subject, but not directly, I watched a movie called, “Taking Chance” on “Max”, it’s about a Marine Colonel who escorts home the body of a fallen warrior. Great story of honor given to a fallen hero.
We saw it too, and I agree, Pete.
Amen!
Hear, hear!