June 6, 1944: The 80th anniversary of D-Day, a solemn day of remembrance

The Supreme Allied Commander of D-Day was General Dwight David Eisenhower. Photo from the Eisenhower Presidential Library

June 6, 2024, commemorates the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. During the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, thousands of allied soldiers, sailors and airmen commenced the greatest military operation along the coast of Normandy, France.  The allies had to contend with formidable Nazi Germany forces and their daunting Atlantic Wall.

With the support of allied paratroopers, naval vessels and air forces, 150,000 infantry soldiers landed on the five beaches of the Normandy coast. The British were responsible for Sword and Gold beaches. The Canadians invaded Juno beach. The Americans landed at Omaha and Utah beaches.  Omaha beach, with its difficult terrain and significant German fortifications, suffered the most casualties.

At the end of D-Day, the allies had a foothold on continental Europe. More than 150,000 soldiers were planted in Normandy. The number of allied soldiers increased dramatically over the next few days.

The successful implementation of the disparate and sophisticated plans of D-Day marked the end of Nazi Germany’s occupation of France and other European countries.

The Supreme Allied Commander of D-Day was General Dwight David Eisenhower. He had the military, political, diplomatic, socialand interpersonal skills to keep the coalition of allies together and coordinated.

General Eisenhower was well liked by top political leaders and by the common soldier. Eisenhower spent a substantial amount of his time visiting soldiers, sailors and airmen because he knew that they were needed to carry out his plans.

Author Dennis Edward Flake at the American Cemetery in Normandy. CONTRIBUTED

Eisenhower’s “Big Break” during World War II occurred on December 14, 1942. The Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General George Marshall, summoned Eisenhower to the War Department to discuss the crisis in the Philippines.

During the meeting, General Marshall was very impressed with Eisenhower’s analysis and recommendations for the situation in the Philippines. Marshall promoted Eisenhower to head the War Planning Division for the Philippines and the Far East.

Eisenhower had gained his knowledge of the Philippines during his tenure as personal assistant to General Douglas MacArthur. Eisenhower served MacArthur in the Philippines from October 1935 to December 1939. MacArthur was the Military Advisor to the Philippine Commonwealth, which was preparing the Philippine military for independence.

At times, it appeared that the hard working and smart Eisenhower was the Military Advisor not MacArthur. President Manual Quezon considered Eisenhower as indispensable.

Eisenhower’s experience in the Philippines was very valuable and significantly contributed to his success during World War II. In addition, Eisenhower and his family had many happy memories of their time in the Philippines.

On this 80^th anniversary of D-Day, it is imperative that we honor the men who died and the men who served on this sacred day. They shall not be forgotten.

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