On June 6, 1944, the world witnessed an unparalleled display of courage and sacrifice as Allied forces launched Operation Overlord—the largest amphibious invasion in history—on the beaches of Normandy. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the end for Nazi tyranny in Western Europe and paved the way for the liberation of millions.
Today, on the 81st anniversary, we remember the valor of nearly 160,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations who faced unimaginable odds to secure a future of freedom.Their legacy endures in the hallowed grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery, the British Normandy Memorial, and the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia—where the community suffered the highest per capita D-Day casualties in the nation, known as the “Bedford Boys.”
As we reflect on their heroism, we are reminded of the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of war and the shared responsibility to uphold the ideals of liberty and peace they fought to protect.
Let us pause today—not just to remember, but to honor and renew our commitment to the values that define us.
