Today marks the 80th anniversary of the June 6th “D-Day” landings in Normandy during World War II. It marked a turning Point in World War II as it provided the Allies with a foothold in Western Europe and set the stage for the subsequent liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

More than 2 million Allied soldiers, sailors, pilots, medics and other people from a dozen countries were involved in the overall Operation Overlord, the Normandy landings. Nearly 160,000 Allied troops step ashore on June 6, 1944. Of those, 73,000 were from the United States, 83,000 from Britain and Canada. Of those, a total of 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day itself, including 2,501 Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded. It is unknown how many German troops were killed or wounded.

The Normandy landing remains a powerful symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and gave their lives for the cause of freedom and the defeat of tyranny. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, situated on the shores of Omaha Beach, serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the importance of preserving peace.Today and, no doubt, in the days to follow, we will have the opportunity to hear the voices of those who landed and remain with us today. Given those who landed were 18 years old and older, it means today’s survivors are in their late 90s. It is the passing of a generation.

Let us offer a prayer in gratitude for all who served in World War II, their families, and the great sacrifices offered for this nation and the world.