6.06.2009

Courage And Devotion...


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 war
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 and devotion to duty and skill in
battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!



Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great
and noble undertaking.



SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower

6 comments:

FLYNAVY said...

Miss Cleaver,
Thanks for putting this up. Every time I read or hear this it still makes my hair stand on end. I'm thankful & remember my brothers in arms that fought & died for my freedoms I enjoy today. Hooyah.
Buzzy

Rebecca said...

Hooah!

Urban Mom said...

Since watching Band of Brothers, I'm always on the lookout for an 85-year-old guy to throw my arms around and give a big smooch of gratitude. Must be the Belgian half of me. Or the American all-of-me.

momto5minnies said...

Gives me chills
but also makes me feel such pride for those who fought ...

Anonymous said...

I spent an hour on D-Day with a veteran neighbor of mine. He talked about the landing on Omaha Beach...he never mentioned it before. I need to go an visit him again and be sure I thanked him for his service to our county.
Thank you to all who served and are serving our country today. God bless them all.
Aunt Barbara

Red said...

Thanks for posting this, June