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When the order came down and the operation was a go, it was still raining… just as it had been for days before. The forecast called for a change in the weather. The rain would let up by mid-morning with clear skies in the afternoon.

There was no more time for delay. Any further setback would push the timing of the invasion off by WEEKS… an eternity in the midst of a European War.

General Eisenhower made the call, and then set about taking responsibility for whatever outcome the fates would allow.

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“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”

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https://www.businessinsider.com/d-day-in-case-of-failure-letter-by-general-eisenhower-2012-6

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There comes a point where preparations must come to an end. There comes a time when we must TURN… and face the storm.

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Through the storm, under cover of it… they pushed forward. The storm AIDED them as they sailed toward the coast. Unexpected, and caught underprepared; the Allied Forces crossing the English Channel gained an advantage, hidden within the veil of that storm.

As hellish as it was, we secured a foothold on that beach that dreadful morning… and as the first troops started rolling out into the French countryside, they did so under sunny skies. The Light, showing them the cost of the battle they’d just won.

The first battle, marking the end of the Second World War.

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And no one knew if their campaign would be successful. Even Eisenhower understood the odds were stacked against them, but that did not mean they were destined to fail. Inexperienced and still wet behind the ears; they marched off those landing craft and into HISTORY… because their cause was Righteous. They were fighting to secure LIBERTY and the Right to Self-Rule.

In a hail of gunfire, on a rain-soaked chalk-white beachhead; 10,000 Allied Forces Service Members bravely gave their lives, so that we might stand here today and remember. So that it might never happen again… so that we might never forget.

It is the least we could do, to properly HONOR and remember what it was that they were fighting FOR… and what it was they were fighting AGAINST.

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In these hours of trial and tribulation, I find comfort in what might BE. What might come… what will be BORN of our struggles. What will be inspired by the monuments that we now build? What will be the PRICE asked of us… what COST are we willing to pay.

Our struggle wasn’t born under CLEAR SKIES… the fight begins within the HEART of the storm. The storm helps clarify what it is we are fighting for. It tests our resolve and sharpens the mind, forcing us to adapt and evolve. And once the LIGHT returns, as we know one day it will… 

If we can overcome THIS… then there’s nothing that can stand between us and the future toward which we now strive.

A future, first envisioned… on this morning, some 78 years ago.

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Their struggle is now OUR struggle. Let us HONOR their sacrifices… and fight to ensure it may never happen again.

-JC