Carbondale Reporter

Rep. Paul Jacobs posted on Facebook on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered a speech at the service held at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, as reported in a Tuesday news release by the Department of Defense. 

"To the veterans of World War II: We salute you," Austin said. "You saved the world. We must merely defend it."

The attendance of these dignitaries in France emphasizes the importance of paying tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives and commemorating the momentous events that occurred on the Normandy beaches in World War II. The press statement emphasizes their involvement in the solemn ceremony, signifying the enduring connection between the United States and its partners in preserving the memory and heritage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for liberty.

"79 years ago today, Allied troops stormed the heavily fortified coast of Normandy to liberate Western Europe from the evil, tyranny, and oppression of Nazi control," Jacobs wrote. "On this important anniversary we remember the bravery of the greatest generation and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. #DDay Photos Courtesy of The National WWII Museum."

According to the U.S. Army, the choice of Normandy's beaches for the D-Day invasion was influenced by factors like proximity to air cover and weaker defenses than other options like the Pas de Calais. On that day, six divisions from Canada, Britain, and the U.S. landed, with three additional divisions scheduled to arrive in the following days.

When it occurred, The D-Day Normandy invasion was the largest naval, air, and land operation in history, as stated by the History Channel. Initially planned for June 5, 1944, the invasion was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. However, upon learning that conditions would improve the next day, General Eisenhower approved the start of "Operation Overlord."

The Library of Congress houses a vast collection of firsthand accounts from veterans who served in the U.S. military since World War I. Since 2000, the Veterans History Project has diligently worked to preserve veterans' collections, including documents and stories related to the Normandy invasion.

The compilation offers valuable perspectives on the unfolding events that occurred on the beaches and the firsthand experiences of airborne troops, officers aboard ships, and individuals who arrived in small landing craft. The project also encompasses narratives that go beyond the initial D-Day, exploring the subsequent days referred to as D-Day Plus 1, Plus 2, and onwards, which shed light on the continuous influx of troops onto the beaches following the initial invasion.

To access this collection, visit here.