On this date in 1944, the greatest armada ever assembled brought thousands of U.S., British, and Canadian troops to the beaches of Normandy, in German-occupied France. There they stormed ashore against formidable defenses, scaled cliffs, fought their way up bluffs, and began the long-anticipated drive across France to help the Russians defeat Germany. While this amphibious assault was happening many airborne troops were deposited behind the beaches via gliders and parachutes, suffering great losses.
If you get the chance, visit Normandy. See the difficult terrain our troops assaulted, and the remains of both Germany’s Western Wall defenses and the artificial harbor the allies created on those shores. Then visit the nearby French museum dedicated to that historic landing.
While in the neighborhood, go visit Bayeux and its famous ‘tapestry’ which depicts an earlier successful invasion, of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. It is a linen scroll some 200+ feet in length with scenes of the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings embroidered on it. It is not a tapestry in the true sense but is named such for lack of a better descriptor. Think of it as cartoon-like history for those who cannot read.
