Introduction:
Thursday, June 6th, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The day marked a pivotal turning point in the events of World War II. While it led to the overall victory of the Allies, it had tragic consequences as many lives were lost. D-Day is commemorated as a day when we celebrate those brave soldiers who risked their lives.
Recapping the events of the day:
D-Day was a major attack by the Allied forces to liberate Europe from the control of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Officially known as Operation Overlord, 156,000 soldiers from the UK, US, Canada, and other countries participated in the mission. It took place in Normandy, France, across five beach locations: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. It became the biggest seaborne invasion in history. Planes and ships attacked German defenses before the soldiers landed, resulting in heavy fighting and many casualties, particularly at Omaha Beach. Nonetheless, the Allies managed to gain control, and it was through this successful invasion that the Allies were able to defeat Nazi Germany.
The casualties suffered that day were significant. Approximately 4,414 soldiers losing their lives during the invasion. A rough breakdown of the estimated casualties: United States: 2,501, United Kingdom: 1,449, Canada: 500. Additionally, many more ended up wounded or missing.
To learn more about the D Day events, read more here: https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day
The event saw many world leaders and veterans in attendance at today’s events
On this special day, veterans and world leaders have gathered in Normandy, France, to celebrate the victory while remembering those who bravely risked their lives.
This year’s commemoration of this pivotal event in World War II is particularly special. This is due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a result of Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, they were not invited to the event.
“This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Allies defended Europe’s freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today,” said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a post on X, announcing his arrival at Thursday’s ceremonies in France.
King Charles Arrival
King Charles was also in attendance, being one of the figures leading the commemorations. “While the number of living veterans is dwindling, our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish,” he said. He spoke in English and French to pay tribute to the “unimaginable number” of French civilians that lost their lives in the battle for Normandy and the bravery and sacrifice of the French Resistance. “Let us pray such sacrifices need never be made again,” he said. “Our gratitude is unfailing, and our admiration eternal.”
Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak also attended the commemorations. He took a break from campaigning for the upcoming election, which is set to take place on July 4th. “Eighty years ago, the weather broke, and the greatest invasion force in history left the shores of Britain to liberate Europe. We are here today to remember the sacrifice of the tens of thousands who did not make it home. And we are here to honour the service of those who did.”
Roughly 200 American and British veterans are set to take part in the ceremonies throughout the day on the windswept beaches where the fighting that erupted on D-Day took place.
Among those participating is 101-year-old Bob Gibson, who was in the second wave of soldiers to land on Normandy’s Utah Beach. “It’s like it happened yesterday. You wouldn’t believe what I have seen. Terrible. Some of the young fellows never reached the major beach … sometimes it wakes you up at night,” he told the Reuters news agency.
Conclusion
Let us also take some time to remember Robert “Al” Persichitti, a World War II veteran from Rochester, New York. Unfortunately, he died while traveling to France for an event marking the anniversary of D-Day. He was airlifted to a hospital in Germany on May 30th after suffering a medical emergency boarding the ship. But unfortunately, he died the following day at age 102. So let us remember this day to commemorate the lives of Robert and many other veterans and soldiers who bravely risked their lives.
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