In his message, he spoke of the honor bestowed upon them to strike a blow for freedom that would echo through history.
Today, we gather to pay homage to the nearly one hundred and sixty thousand British, Commonwealth, and Allied troops who, on the 5th of June 1944, congregated in Portsmouth and along the shores for the monumental mission that would go down in history as the greatest amphibious operation ever undertaken.
The scene at Portsmouth was unforgettable as the massive military fleet assembled, knowing that both victory and failure were plausible outcomes.
The aircrew above, sailors aboard warships, and soldiers navigating assault craft through turbulent waters to the beach all faced uncertainty about their survival and how they would confront mortal danger.
The poignant words of poet Keith Douglas capture the emotions of the moment as actors awaited their entry onto the European stage, with fear and fury intermingling in their hearts.
Looking back after eight decades, it is nearly unimaginable to grasp the emotions of that fateful day – the pride, the anxiety, and the fear that gripped those brave souls.
The tales of valor, resilience, and unity from that era continue to evoke deep emotion and remind us of the debt we owe to the dwindling generation of wartime heroes.
It is incumbent upon us to ensure that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten, as their actions paved the way for freedom and liberty at an immense cost.
As we reflect with humility, pride, and gratitude, let us not overlook the fact that the soldiers who fought on D-Day hailed from thirty nations, united in the common cause of defeating tyranny.
The Allied efforts not only secured a foothold in Normandy but also liberated France and eventually the entire continent from brutal totalitarian rule.
The sacrifices made in places like Imphal, Kohima, and Burma underscore the global scale of the conflict and the diverse contributions of soldiers from different faiths and backgrounds.
While the frontline troops faced grave dangers, the collective effort of those on the Home Front cannot be understated.
Men and women toiled in factories, mines, fields, and secret operations, supporting the war effort with their dedication and perseverance.
The victory was a culmination of their hard work and sacrifices, ensuring the success of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen on the front lines.
In honoring all those who played a part in securing victory and preserving our freedoms, we must recommit ourselves to never forgetting the courage and commitment of those who served on D-Day.
Their legacy calls upon us to uphold the principles of freedom by shouldering our civic responsibilities and cherishing the rights they fought to defend.
We stand forever indebted to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberties we enjoy today.