D-Day 3

Looking back on D-Day 75 years later, it may seem like just another historic date to remember, kind of ho-hum. But it was life and risk of death to the soldiers, and to their families at home. Many took their fears to God.

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"Back home in New York’s Grand Central Station, when the invasion was announced, a woman sitting on a bench sank to her knees in prayer, and then another and another, until almost the entire crowd kneeled to pray for God’s mercy on their sons and countrymen. In wartime Grand Central Station became a house of prayer."

General Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, felt the awful risk. Just in case of disaster, he prepared a press release to take the blame on himself:

"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."

It was never used, thank God.

In a ceremony at the American cemetery yesterday, France's President Macron said: "We know what we owe to you, veterans: our freedom. On behalf of my nation, I just want to say thank you.”