SE Illinois News

Rep. Paul Jacobs posted on Facebook on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered a speech at the service held at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, as reported in a Tuesday news release by the Department of Defense. 

"To the veterans of World War II: We salute you," Austin said. "You saved the world. We must merely defend it."

The presence of these leaders in France underscores the significance of honoring the fallen soldiers and commemorating the historic events that took place on the Normandy beaches during World War II. The news release highlights their participation in the solemn ceremony, symbolizing the enduring bond between the United States and its allies in upholding the memory and legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

"79 years ago today, Allied troops stormed the heavily fortified coast of Normandy to liberate Western Europe from the evil, tyranny, and oppression of Nazi control," Jacobs wrote. "On this important anniversary we remember the bravery of the greatest generation and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. #DDay Photos Courtesy of The National WWII Museum."

According to the U.S. Army, the choice of Normandy's beaches for the D-Day invasion was influenced by factors like proximity to air cover and weaker defenses than other options like the Pas de Calais. On that day, six divisions from Canada, Britain, and the U.S. landed, with three additional divisions scheduled to arrive in the following days.

When it occurred, The D-Day Normandy invasion was the largest naval, air and land operation in history, as stated by the History Channel. Initially planned for June 5, 1944, the invasion was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. However, upon learning that conditions would improve the next day, General Eisenhower approved the start of "Operation Overlord."

The Library of Congress houses a vast collection of firsthand accounts from veterans who served in the U.S. military since World War I. Since 2000, the Veterans History Project has diligently worked to preserve veterans' collections, including documents and stories related to the Normandy invasion.

The collection provides valuable insights into the events that unfolded on the beaches and the experiences of airborne troops, officers aboard ships, and those who arrived in small landing craft. The project also encompasses accounts beyond D-Day itself, delving into the subsequent days known as D-Day Plus 1, Plus 2 and beyond, which look at the waves of troops on the beaches after the initial invasion day.

To access this collection, visit here.