Today, the 6th of June, it is eminently appropriate to pay tribute to the servicemen who participated in the momentous invasion of Normandy, France, especially those who gave their lives in that historic event. For those who have faded recollection of that extraordinary venture and those too young to have experienced it first hand, here is a short synopsis excerpted from http://www.dday.org/history/d-day-overview.html: *It is hard to conceive the epic scope of this decisive battle that foreshadowed the end of Hitler's dream of Nazi domination. Overlord was the largest air, land, and sea operation undertaken before or since June 6, 1944. The landing included over 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 service men.

 After years of meticulous planning and seemingly endless training, for the Allied Forces, it all came down to this: The boat ramp goes down, then jump, swim, run, and crawl to the cliffs. Many of the first young men (most not yet 20 years old) entered the surf carrying eighty pounds of equipment. They faced over 200 yards of beach before reaching the first natural feature offering any protection. Blanketed by small-arms fire and bracketed by artillery, they found themselves in hell.

 When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. Yet somehow, due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe had been breached. May we remember them, the "Yanks," the Canadians (Canucks), the ANZACS, the South Africans, the Free French, Norwegians, and of course the brave British regiments, the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy...without the latter, and with America's help, food rationing could have been extreme. For those who fought to the bitter end and to those so many others who stood as a bulwark against Fascist tyranny, we the children and grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren of this brave generation, are forever grateful. With unbound appreciation for a debt that can never be repaid. For more details go to http://www.eaglespeak.us/2011/06/normandy-invasion-june-6-1944.html