Seventy-nine years ago today, nearly 160 thousand American, British, Canadian and free French forces conducted the largest amphibious assault in history as the Allies started Operation OVERLORD, known also as D-Day. American and British paratroopers had dropped inland the night before. This World War II battle sought to gain ground in France to liberate the country from Nazi Germany, and it proved a success. Yet, it did not come without cost. On D-Day alone, 4,414 Allied troops were killed and another 5,000 wounded. In the greater Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. These were young men not much older than you. They grew up playing football and baseball. Many of them had been in Boy Scouts; some of them had earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Some were drafted, but many had volunteered service. They knew they had to stop the spread of fascism for freedom to survive. On this day, let us remember their sacrifices.
A Scout is Loyal.