President Biden Commemorates D-Day in Normandy

 By Charles Hawes, Capital News

   Normandy, France — The hour had nearly come. On the eve of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, President Biden delivered a poignant and stirring tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy. The President’s speech, given in the presence of President Emmanuel Macron, Mrs. Macron, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and numerous distinguished guests, honored the heroic efforts of those who fought to free Europe from Nazi tyranny.

    The backdrop for this historic address was solemn and reverent, reflecting the devastating impact of Nazi Germany’s occupation of Europe. Biden highlighted the atrocities committed by the Third Reich, including the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of millions of Jews, and the brutal warfare that killed millions more. Biden underscored the pivotal role of Normandy in the struggle between freedom and tyranny, marking June 6th, 1944, as the day when Allied forces undertook "the greatest, most complicated operation ever," as Winston Churchill once described. The meticulous planning of Operation Overlord culminated in the largest amphibious assault in history, as Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the order to strike.

    The President recounted Eisenhower’s visit to the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne in Newbury, England, the night before the invasion, highlighting their unwavering resolve despite the grim estimates of heavy casualties. Their courage and determination, he noted, exemplified the spirit that would lead to the eventual liberation of Europe. Biden paid special tribute to the veterans present, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions. Among them was Kenneth Blaine Smith, who provided critical gunfire support during the assault on Pointe du Hoc; Bob Gibson, who landed on Utah Beach and operated an M4 tractor to protect infantry against German air attacks; and Ben Miller, a medic with the 82nd Airborne, who survived a crash landing in a glider and saved countless lives amidst the chaos.

    In his speech, Biden emphasized the diversity and unity of the Allied forces, recognizing the roles played by people of color and women despite the limitations they faced. He mentioned Louis Brown of the “Red Ball Express,” Woody Woodhouse of the Tuskegee Airmen, and Marjorie Stone, an aircraft mechanic in the women’s branch of the Naval Reserve. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the D-Day veterans, Biden spoke of the nearly 10,000 heroes buried in the Normandy American Cemetery, a testament to the price of freedom and the unity of Americans from different backgrounds who fought together. The President also drew parallels to current global challenges, notably Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming the United States and NATO's commitment to defending democracy and standing against aggression. Biden warned of the dangers posed by dictators and emphasized the importance of alliances in maintaining global stability. In conclusion, President Biden called for the preservation and defense of democracy, urging future generations to honor the sacrifices made on D-Day by continuing the fight for freedom. His message was clear: the legacy of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy must never be forgotten, and the principles they fought for must be upheld. As he prepares to visit Pointe du Hoc to pay respects, President Biden’s words resonate with a call to action, reminding us that the defense of democracy is an ongoing struggle, one that requires unwavering resolve and unity.

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