On June 6, 1944 – Invasion of Normandy

On June 6, 1944 Allied forces crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy, France to liberate Western Europe from the occupation of Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory”.

With 176,000 troops arriving by landing craft and ships, as well as nearly 14,000 aircraft, the Allied forces were able to secure Northern France within 3 months despite a vicious effort by Nazi forces.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial was established by the U.S. First Army on June 8, 1944, two days after the beginning of the Normandy Invasion.  Here lie the graves of 9,387 men, many of whom remain un-identified to this day.