When I took this picture at the beach last Saturday, I was not thinking about what this Friday represented, I just liked the line of flags along the beach, but earlier this week, I remembered.
On June 6, 1944, approximately 150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in the “D-Day” invasion of occupied France. It is estimated that between 2,500 and 4,000 Allied troops died that day, and over 9,000 Germans. Today is the 70th anniversary of that historic day, which was one of the key turning points in World War II.
Closer to home, in both Bay Head and Mantoloking, there are many stories from World War II. I know of one Mantoloking resident (there are more) who flew in B-17 Fly Fortresses over Germany and occupied Europe in World War II. Unfortunately, this individual’s house was destroyed by Sandy. I also remember stories from family and friends of growing up along the beach in World War II:
– Armed Coast Guard patrols, with dogs, along the beach– Using “blackout” style window shades and headlights– A prohibition against kites, lights, and fires on the beach– Seeing the glow of torpedoed ships on the horizon, burning- Giant oil slicks and tar balls on the beach from sunken ships– Washing one’s feet in kerosene foot baths when leaving the beach, to get the tar off
Please honor and remember those who fought and died at Normandy, and elsewhere in the war, and those that lived to tell their stories, and to come home. Feel free to leave comments about relevant stories, memories, and more.
Below is a transcript of General Eisenhower’s message from just before the invasion:
“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.
— Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower”
(transcript from http://army.mil)
#dday #mantoloking #nj
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