They didn’t know whether they would survive or not as they waited on the landing craft that would soon take them to Normandy Beach, many took last rites, had chaplains pray over them, and braced for the worst. They were the soldiers who knew no matter their own personal cost, the goal would be worth it.
More than 150,000 men from the U.S., Free France, Canada, and Norway in 6,000 ships, 50,000 vehicles, and 11,000 planes worked to secure the beach. They held their breath and then hit the beach. By August 25 Paris was liberated. Then it was only a matter of time until Germany surrendered.
There are only a few left from that day 80 years ago. They are a living testimony to the courage of that day when no one knew who would live and who would die. As we look to the future, we need to remember the men and women who secured our freedom and honor them by securing the freedom of those who now face war again.
Prayer for the Day
Holy God, Architect of grace, may we be together in community
Remembering our past as a foundation for the present and future;
Eternal God, Framer of our existence, may we be together in unity,
Rising above our differences in race, religion, ethnic origin.
Bring us to the place, Sustainer of the weary and forgotten,
So we may become your instruments rather than of the world.
In the name of the One who is your instrument of justice and mercy,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
I don't feel that I'm any kind of hero. To me, the work had to be done. I was asked to do it. So I did. When I lecture kids, I tell them the same thing.
Private First Class Joe Liesiewski, oe of the “Band of Brothers” (1920-2012)
At the core, the American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn't want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed. So they fought, and won, and we, all of us, living and yet to be born, must be forever profoundly grateful.
Steven Ambrose, historian, biographer (1936-2002)
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to our name, O Most High.
When my enemies turned back, they stumbled and perished before you,
For you have maintained my just cause;
Sitting on the throne giving righteous judgment.
Psalm 9: 1-4