Commemorating D-Day’s 75th Anniversary
World leaders, including President Donald Trump and England’s Queen Elizabeth, gather in Portsmouth, England to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Photo courtesy of UK Telegraph
By Juan Orazzco
D-Day occurred on June 6, 1944, during the middle of World War II, which lasted from 1939-1945. While many of us remember that World War II began for the United States with the bombing of Pearl Harbor at the end of 1941 and ended with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August of 1945, D-Day can seem like it is just one more fact to learn in the thick history book of facts. However, it important, not only for those who were there, seeing their friends die, but also for us 75 years later.
D-Day was the first step in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from the Nazis, which was called Operation Overlord. 156,000 American, British and Canadian troops launched an amphibious attack on five Normandy, France, beaches.
Hitler had known and had planned for this invasion for years. Ever since he conquered France and almost routed the British at Dunkirk, the Nazis had been building up the Atlantic wall to defend against the almost certain Allied invasion attempt.
Looking back 75 years later, reading the history books, and seeing those black and white pictures, it is easy to think that this invasion was inevitable or even a guaranteed success. However, that cannot be farther from the truth. If the Americans, who fought so hard for Omaha beach, the bloodiest of the D-Day beaches, had failed. The war may have turned out differently.
Here are some interesting facts that you may have missed if you have not done Mr. Becker’s homework. First, D-Day does not stand for anything. It was used because it does not mean anything; sometimes the time of the attack was called “H-hour,” because the Nazis would not know what that meant.
D-Day was the largest amphibious invasion in military history. With over one hundred and fifty thousand troops, almost seven thousand ships and twenty-four hundred aircraft, this was a massive organizational nightmare. The fact that all these men made it to the beach at all is amazing.
This invasion was the beginning of the fight to get the German Nazis out of the western democracies of Europe. This was to get France back, for the French, and then the rest of Europe back too. Therefore, this battle was not the beginning or the end, but it was the very beginning of the end.
This battle shaped the way Europe looked ever since. The effects of this major battle are seen in the free countries of Europe today.
Men of the 16th Infantry Regiment, US 1st Infantry Division, wading ashore on Omaha Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944. wikipedia.com
What PHS Students Have to Say about D-Day
Isidro Alevante
D-Day is significant because it marks the day that tide turned in favor of the allied forces in WWII on the Normandy beaches, It should always be remembered because it is basically what started to change the war and it came at severe cost to Allies forced from many countries around the world From the US to the UK, New Zealand to Canada so on and do forth. It should be remembered with a moment of silence on every June 6.
Edward Doval
D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces of Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France. With a huge force of over 150,000 soldiers, the Allies attacked and gained a victory that became the turning point for World War II in Europe. The event of the battle should be remembered for its big impact on the war, and there should perhaps be a parade in the capital of each state in commemoration for it.
Ery Familia Nolasco
If the invasion of Normandy had been unsuccessful that day, Europe might have remained under Nazi control, and our world would look very different today. This even should be remembered because the American troops who fought in D-Day were not fighting to liberate their own land they also fought to have and give us a free world.
Graveyard in Normandy, France.
Kevin Flores
I think it should always be remembered because it was a war that thousands and thousands of soldiers that sacrificed their lives for their country. It should be remembered by the board telling the schools to talk about D-Day on their anniversary or they should put up a monument in every single state of the US.
Rafael Ramiro
This event should be remembered because that is the day where the U.S. soldiers won but it was also a bloody war where they had to sacrifice themselves to win the war against the Nazis.
Diana Romero-Cuatlayotl
It is the day where in a war they had the largest military operation over sea.
Rafael Suarez
The D-Day invasion was the largest invasion by land, sea and air in history. The invasion has also been credited with changing the course of the war and pushing the Nazi troops back into Germany. It should be remembered as a great battle where many soldiers lost their lives protecting what they believe in.
Kimberly Torres-Barragan
D-Day Invasion is where the landing operations. It should still be remembered because it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. It should be remembered as a place where they were safe but not safe in a way.
Munavvarhusain Bunglawala:
The significance of the Normandy is that they saved Europe from Nazism. I think it should be remembered because so many soldiers lost their life or went missing during the Battle of Normandy to protect their families, friends, and Country.
It should be remembered just the way it has been with the respect, pleasure, and honor for the once who lost their closer people.
Mirialys Canela- Margarita
The only reason we celebrate D-Day is to acknowledge our fallen American soldiers. The men who died to stop the Nazi. But to be honest I think it’s time to forget the past. It only keeps the slightest of grudges alive when I think we shouldn’t keep bringing up something to the Germans just to make them feel ashamed of their past. It’s better to just forgive and forget.
Gabriela Liriano Perez
For me the significance of the Normandy, D-Day invasion 75th anniversary, is to remember the sacrifice that Americans soldiers or the army did for us to keep American free and save. In addition, to commiserate those who die on the largest military operation and the liberation of the Nazi occupied Europe. This should be remembered by creating a memorial day and by that retell, the even so people in the future would really know what happen and why should be remembered.
D-Day invasion
Luis Peralta Acosta
By the end of June 1944, about a million Allied troops had reached France I think this should be remember as a reminder of our allies and to remind us the we are not alone if we go to war also to remember those who die.
Jocelyn Ramirez
This event should be remembered because this invasion was the beginning of the end of war world II and for respect to those brave soldiers.
Devraj Rana
I believe that we should remember this event because so many soldier lost their life in that war so we should cry for those who died for us
Diana Rivera-Cala
Although it has been 75 years, I feel like this event should be remembered because it is significant to people who have families that were involved with D-Day. For me, it doesn’t really affect me but I feel like America helping out those countries was really great on their part.
Damian Rotte
While I personally don’t know all the battles from World War II, I do know that so many men fought a lot of battles so that people can be free. This anniversary should be remembered for those men who kept fighting from place to place. However, what should be remembered most is the respect for the U.S. for what we have done during this horrible war.
Mark Valmonte
This is the invasion that saved the lives of Europeans from German control. This event makes us remember the past, the harsh reality that they had to endure before. It is very saddening indeed but the D-Day gives us the idea that with great planning you’ll be able to be successful. Also the fact that people risked their lives to save others is very heartwarming and that’s a lesson we shouldn’t forget. We should always be willing to help the others despite the circumstances
Rosemary Huaroc
I believe this event should be remember because we should remember and respect the brave soldiers and because this invasion was the beginning of the end of World War II.
Cyndy Jaquez
D-Day is another name for the invasion of Normandy in which the Allied forces attacked the German forces in a place called Normandy on the coast of France on June 6, 1944. There were some 156,000 Allied troops that invaded that day. It was a turning point in the war.
Erik Torres
Honestly D-Day was a very significant event in the history of the united states which shifted the way we lived forever. It should be remembered because people sacrificed themselves for a country. If we can’t celebrate or honor those soldiers who fought the battles then that would make us insensitive
Luisa Fernandez
To me the significance of the D-Day invasion is that is a very important day because On June 6, 1944, The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. One of the many reasons why it should be remembered is because men from all over the world came to fight in Normandy to defeat Nazism and re-establish freedom. Which means it all happened to give people back their rights and freedom. One of the way I think it should be remembered is to programmer numbers of events which will be putting together to bring the memory of this tragic period of world history to life, all while emphasizing the spirit of hope.
D-Day landing craft heading toward beaches in France.
Emmanuel Garcia Paz
It marked the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. It’s been a long time since the world was shook by its event. This day should be remembered because it has such a big significance to the world and to the people who lost loved ones and them themselves who lost their lives. We should have monuments to remember those who lost their lives and a battle description on it so that future generations can have a vivid image of what these brave men encountered on that beach and that day.
Gissel Gutierrez-Perez
The significance of Normandy was that many soldiers risked their lives so that Western Europe can be liberated from the Nazis. Because of the D-Day invasion people were free from the Nazis and the Germans were removed from northwestern France. This event should be remembered because many soldier from American, France, British and Canadian forces all came together to stop the Nazis from invading even more territory.
Jesus Luchetti
The significance of the D-Day invasion now that it is the 75th anniversary it is a very important day because it gives us the day to remember who has and have risked their lives and the ones who has died.
Eva Medina
In my opinion, I think D-Day should be remembered because it had a big impact in America. The “Operation Overlord” campaign was launched and Their mission was to free Europe from the tyranny of Nazi domination. The attack was being planned for more than a year. The attack was remained a secret and Germany didn’t know they were coming, that is why I think it was mostly successful. I think D-Day should be represented as more important than it is because a lot of young people don’t even know about D-Day. D-Day should be a day like Memorial Day.
Kimberly Reyes-Espinosa
The significance of the D-Day invasion should be remembered because it was the turning point of World War II, and especially with many allied forces like America, Britain, Canada, and France
Irais Rojas-Ahuatl
D-Day for me is a moment in history taken place in WWII where a family of brothers and only 1 brother survived. Not only that but the moment where allied forces invaded northern France on the beach. This event should be remembered because it led to many deaths of soldiers and the victory that gained north west Europe its freedom from Germany.
Nyzir Roman
It should be remembered because of the people that had the balls to be in that situation and fight for their country. The significance is that they end up getting through everything and complete what they had to complete. Just that a lot of families lost their loved ones because of this day, which is another reason why it should be remembered .
history.com
Emeli Soriano
The significance of today being June 6th, 2019 and it being the 75th anniversary is that D-Day was the largest invasion by air, land and sea in all history. It was very important to the world war II. This event should be remembered because this became a turning point during ww2 and it really killed off so many off our soldiers and so many were brave and courageous for taking on so much. D-Day should be remembered as a holiday where we all get a little knowledge of what happen and appreciate those who were there. They risked their lives for this country so we should at least care for them and learn about what happened.
Fernando Castelan
To remember those who fell in the battle of Omaha beach. It should be remembered as that battle was one leading foot to the end of the war. As taking down the German back allowed the allies to come at them from to two sides
Erick Matos
D-Day should be remembered as a historic day that was a turning point in World War 2. Many movies take place on D-Day and go through the events that transpired. It should be remembered as a day where the U.S. stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought the Nazis in France taking back territory.
Stephen Mejia
What makes this day significant is the fact of all the lives lost in the attempt to free a part of the world from Nazi terrine. This event in history must be remembered with a moment of silence and honoring the veterans who are still alive. We must remember this day because it’s a point in history in which the U.S. took an official stand against the Axis powers and the Nazi party.
Yaire Rodriguez
D-Day was significant because it had reestablished front for the allies. It should be remembered because of the lives lost that day. It should be remembered in the affected peoples homes or anyone’s who wants to remember that day.
U.S. paratroopers prepare to jump prior to invasion. Photo accessed from history.com
Laura Siri Nova
The significance of the D-Day invasion, is that on June On June 6, 1944, men ( soldiers) from all over the world out all their strengths together to find for what they believed was right. To fight together with a purpose which was to defeat Nazism and re-establish freedom. This event should be always remember , because in a day like this lots of men who left their homes and families to fight lost their lives, fighting for a better future with freedom and humans rights. It should be remembered by every year put together many different activities which would be based on the history of the pain they went through, and the hope they had of getting out alive and see what they were fighting for.
Kayla Soto
It should be remembered because of the people that had the balls to be in that situation and fight for their country. The significance is that they end up getting through everything and complete what they had to complete. Just that a lot of families lost their loved ones because of this day, which is another reason why it should be remembered.
Karla Flores
They should have a day to show history videos so that we can see and learn about this event.
Aldara Hernandez
D-Day is on which Allied forces invaded northern France by means of beach landings in Normandy, and that there was a lot of damage.
Michael Martinez-Guerrero
The significance of D-Day is when American soldiers invaded upon the beaches of France during World War II. It should be remembered now that its been 75 years since the event because it showed how much of a terrible and struggle and strength it takes to get through the beach and still manage to win the battle.
Patricia Morales
The significance of D-Day today is about World War II. It should be remembered now that it was 75 years ago, like with fireworks, a nice ceremony.
