June 6, 1944.
Today is D-Day, and so I'm bringing you a picspam. Not to celebrate, and not to mourn--although there are reasons for both--but to take a moment and consider.
(Which is terribly pretentious of me, but whatever.)
1. Photos from the landings and just after
2. The National D-Day Memorial Foundation
3. Veterans History Project run by the Library of Congress
4. National WWII Museum
5. Encyclopaedia Britannica's Guide to the Normandy Invasions
6. National WWII Memorial
Yes, I occasionally mock the WWII Memorial for its lack of a cohesive design and unfortunate amalgamation of nineteenth century intentions with twentieth century aesthetics and twenty-first century accessibility standards.
But even I have to admit that it's fairly stunning after dark.
(If you want to see it in daylight, newredshoes has posted a picspam and links to "Day of Days" HERE.)
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.
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, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
(As you may have noticed, the last shot is an icon. Feel free to snag and use, as long as you credit me.)
(Which is terribly pretentious of me, but whatever.)
1. Photos from the landings and just after
2. The National D-Day Memorial Foundation
3. Veterans History Project run by the Library of Congress
4. National WWII Museum
5. Encyclopaedia Britannica's Guide to the Normandy Invasions
6. National WWII Memorial
Yes, I occasionally mock the WWII Memorial for its lack of a cohesive design and unfortunate amalgamation of nineteenth century intentions with twentieth century aesthetics and twenty-first century accessibility standards.
But even I have to admit that it's fairly stunning after dark.
(If you want to see it in daylight, newredshoes has posted a picspam and links to "Day of Days" HERE.)
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.
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, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
(As you may have noticed, the last shot is an icon. Feel free to snag and use, as long as you credit me.)