D-Day was JUNE 6, 1944.
160,000 troops landed on the Normandy coast of France in the largest invasion force in history, involving 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified beaches.
It was a major turning point in World War II.
Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower issued the order which sent nearly 100,000 Allied troops marching across Europe to defeat Hitler's National Socialist Workers Party:
"You are about to embark upon a great crusade...The eyes of the world are upon you.
The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you...
You will bring about...the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe...
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely...
And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."
President Franklin Roosevelt stated JUNE 6, 1944:
"My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation...
I ask you to join with me in prayer:
Almighty God, Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilization...
Give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard.
For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces...
We know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...
Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom."
Over 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded in the Normandy invasion.
FDR concluded:
"Help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice...
I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.
Give us strength...and, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee...With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy...
And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen."