Dear Friends,

On this day in 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a message to our Allied troops just prior to the infamous military campaign that will be forever remembered as D-Day. In his message, General Eisenhower humbly told our brave troops:

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.

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 Nazi 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, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!

Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

68 years later, the words of General Eisenhower still stir up the same emotions in all freedom-loving Americans across our great nation. The sacrifices that the brave men and women of our military made on that fateful day, and every day since, have protected our very liberties and freedoms and have upheld the belief that the United States of America is the greatest country God has ever given man on the face of this earth.

Today, we must reflect upon the many sacrifices made, the lives lost and freedoms protected on June 6^th, 1944. It is not only a day of remembrance, however, but also a day to give thanks to all who have selflessly served our great nation. I am humbled, honored and unwaveringly thankful for each and every service member – past and present – who have sacrificed so that we may be free.

May we never forget D-Day – June 6^th, 1944.

God bless our troops, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Humbly yours,

Sue