Freedom is Never Free: 67th Anniversary of D-Day

"Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a 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." -Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

The peaceful picture of Pont du Hoc, France--with Omaha Beach in the background--is a far cry from the chaos of 67 years ago at the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, one of the greatest military invasions of history. The US Army has a comprehensive web page if you are interested in learning more, and Ronald Reagan's speech, "The Boys of Pont du Hoc," reminds us how Presidential leadership in peacetime can alter the course of history.

A British hiker decided to take a days long walkin tour of the area, and his account is here.