Before the Day of Days
On this day, seventy-nine years ago, this letter was passed out to members of the D-Day invading force. It was also broadcast for many to hear; in the event the paper copy didn’t reach their hands. General Eisenhower made this address, understanding the decision to invade was solely his and he bore the responsibility for that decision.
Unlike many military leaders who have followed him, I don’t believe this was General Eisenhower pandering to the masses. This letter and the associated broadcast weren’t meant to please or appease anyone. These were the heartfelt words of man who knew the impact of what was about to happen. He knew that just a few, simple, encouraging words wouldn’t be the difference between victory and defeat, but they might be the difference between life and death for someone.
There are few people that have, or have had, the courage to make the decision to invade “Fortress Europe” knowing that thousands of lives would be lost in a single day. He knew the sacrifice had to be made for the benefit of humanity. This wasn’t for the glory of the United States or for General Eisenhower, this was for the freedom of Europe and to defeat a tyrant. It was for the good of the entire world.
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 ware 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 blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
As our surviving WWII Veterans get fewer and fewer, never forget the courage they showed and the risks they took on behalf of the rest of the world. The entire globe owes them a debt of gratitude. For volunteering to take this on, they were the Greatest Generation even before the Day of Days.