70th Anniversary of D-Day: 'They Preserved for Us the Gift of Liberty'

From Chatham Township Mayor Kevin M. Sullivan:

Today, June 6th, 2014 is the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

On this day in 1944, 160,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. Known as Operation Overlord, it was the start of the liberation of Europe and the beginning of the end to Nazi tyranny.

Today, high above the cliffs of Omaha Beach, on hallowed ground the Normandy American Cemetery holds 9,400 graves of Americans who paid the ultimate price, giving their lives in the struggle on those beaches.

As we remember those who perished that day so the world could be free, I am reminded of that famous quote from our 40th President, Ronald Reagan; “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

We owe those who fought and died a tremendous debt of gratitude. They died so we may be free. They fought so that flame of freedom would not become extinct. For those that came home, they became known as the “Greatest Generation.” They preserved for us the gift of liberty. Successive generations should always understand what took place on June 6th, 1944 so they may respect, appreciate and continue to enjoy and be willing to defend the many blessings of Liberty.

Thank you to the men and women who served in World War II.