June 5, 1944

I am reminded that this is the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy.  True, the historical date is June 6th, but today the die was cast.  Soldiers and sailors  loaded on to ships, paratroopers checked their gear, and airmen maintained and armed the planes that would support the invasion.  In just a few short hours, the airborne troops would launch and the the armada would mass at critical points off England, turn east and head for the beaches.

It's true that we invaded Normandy on June 6th, but by now the wheels were in motion and there was no going back.  The invasion had begun.  To quote General Eisenhower:

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a 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 the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

The preparation was over, the orders were given, the troops were briefed.  All that remained was to execute the plan.  The planning and forethought of the Allied command was placed in the hands of the privates, the lieutenants, and sergeants.

The invasion had begun.