176,000 troops. More than 12,000 aircraft. Almost 10,000 ships, boats, landing craft, frigates, sloops, and other special combat vessels.
Think about that – 176,000 human lives bound together.
These were the numbers on D-Day, June 6, 1944. They represented hope. And, to many, success in our D-Day mission seemed anything but achievable.
As I stood on Utah and Omaha beaches these last two days in Normandy, I found it hard to imagine this peaceful, serene place as a hellish battlefield – a place where strong winds scattered paratroopers and brought crashing waves large enough to swamp amphibious tanks. Pelting rain stung the faces of the young men crossing the channel as they heard the unmistakable sounds of war raging ahead of them. After hiding under the veil of darkness for hours throughout the night – waiting, wondering what daylight would bring and if they would live to see another day – the troops began to storm the beaches as the sun crept over the horizon.
Determination and courage quickly replaced the fog of anxiousness and fear that filled the air in the hours before the attack. From sea to land to the open skies, the fury of war erupted in every direction.
The heroes we think of fighting to the death on the beaches and flying through the skies couldn’t have done it without the rest of the support team. From air traffic controllers, weather forecasters and sailors piloting the massive Navy ships; to the factory workers back home who built the ships, designed the aircraft, and assembled the tanks – it took a team. It was so much bigger than any one individual. It was much bigger than any one country. But all were bound together to ensure victory.
During World War II, our veterans showed us strength as individuals, but also that we were stronger when we worked as a team with our European friends and allies.
Today, we live in a very different world than those who forged through D-Day. Military missions, equipment and roles have evolved. Former adversaries are now steadfast partners. Europe isn’t a battlefield; it is a training ground where U.S. military prepare alongside our European partners for military conflicts, natural disasters and humanitarian aid missions.
Even during tight fiscal times, it is important for us to continue building relationships with our friends in Europe and show the value we place on these longstanding partnerships.
We have come a long way together as partners – as friends – since the long and arduous battle that occurred in Normandy 69 years ago. World War II was one of humanity’s lowest points, yet so many soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines proved their mettle, fighting not for their own lives, not just for one nation, but for the noble goal of restoring order, compassion and liberty to the world. And we are still bound together.
General George S. Patton said “War is Hell.” That never seems to change. Whether those conflicts serve to help an oppressed people overcome a violent dictator in the name of democracy, or focus on thwarting the unspeakable plans of terrorists, new generations of service members have been put to the test.
Just like the 176,000 human faces who fought in Normandy 69 years ago...
We are bound together in our desire to see the world become a place in which our children can grow free and strong.
We are bound together in the task that stands before us and the road that lies ahead.
We are bound together. We all want to make the world a better place.
And together, I believe we do.
--MG Mark Barrett
EUCOM Chief of Staff