Clebrity Night Shot

D-Day is a military term to denote the date a military operation is to begin. D-Day in Normandy began on June 6, 1944, a day our country will never forget. The Allied invasion of Europe was known as codename Operation Overlord. The attack was a 2 prong strategy; 24,000 Allied troops were to be parachuted behind enemy lines at midnight and an amphibious landing by the Allies on the French shores beginning at 6:00am. There were several diversion attacks that were perpetrated to distract the German forces from the major campaign on the shores of Normandy. The assault phase of the invasion was codename Operation Neptune.

The Allied forces under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower consisted of troops from U.S., England, Free France, Poland, Canada, Norway and Australia. This was the largest amphibious landing ever with a total of 175,000 troops. This huge attachment of soldiers were supported by 195,000 naval and merchant marine personnel, the accumulated crew of 5,000 ships. The landing took place on a 50 mile stretch of beach with 5 distinct sectors; Omaha, Utah, Sword, Juno and Gold Beaches. Each individual operation had its goals and timetable to complete their missions.

Operation Neptune began on June 6th 1944 and ended June 30th 1944 with Operation Overlord beginning on June 6th, 1944 and ending when the Allied forces crossed the River Seine on August 19th, 1944. Both operations were successful but came with a price. The approximate Allied casualties of killed, wounded, captured and missing in action was 10,000 soldiers. The German casualties were estimated at up to 9,000.

The Normandy Invasion was the beginning of the end of Nazis invasion and occupation of its European neighbors. This undertaking by the Allied forces was a great accomplishment of the planning and execution of a massive force under the tightest secrecy. The invasion was expected by the German military but the time and place was the surprise element that brought this great event of WWII to its successful conclusion.

Celebrate the brave men and women of the military and honor all the heroes of our armed forces. If you know anyone that served their country during war or is a member of the armed forces serving in the states show your appreciation for their devotion, their steadfast to stand with their country in defending its freedoms.