Moment of silence

Today, June 6, 2017, is the 73rd anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The Allies' successful invasion was the symbolic "beginning of the end" of the Second World War in western Europe. Over ten thousand men -- including soldiers on both sides -- died in the first 24 hours of the invasion, and many 100s of thousands more would die in the ensuing 11 months until peace in Europe was restored.

Never forget.

Here is Gen. Dwight Eisenhower's message to the American, British, Canadian, French and Polish servicemen who were scheduled to participate, which was read to them hours before the invasion began. . . .

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS

ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

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 N-zi tyranny over the 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 N-zi 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 and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

Dwight D. Eisenhower