Tomorrow, 6th June, 2014 marks the 70th
Anniversary of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy. I was ten at the
time.
As I look back in remembrance I am extremely sad that so
many people died that day. One hundred and sixty thousand troops crossed the
Channel in the largest seaborne invasion in history. Just over eleven and a
half thousand allies were injured, and a further four hundred and fourteen were killed.
One thousand Germans also gave their lives.
A bridgehead was established, enabling more troops and
weapons of war to follow. That was the beginning of the end of the Second World
War which ended with V.E. Day on the 8th May, 1945 and V.J. Day on 15th
August, 1945 - officially on 2nd September, 1945 when documents were
signed by Japanese General Koiso. Six years of war had ended in peace, but at horrendous cost! It is impossible to know, but the estimate of those who died is between fifty and seventy million.
I can only look back with deep gratitude for the
sacrifices made by so many, including my brother Jack who was in the RAF, for
freedom from tyranny that I and countless millions have enjoyed.
Needless wars continue, and will do so until the end of
time.
Matthew 24:6 ‘And you
will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all
these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.’
Links
Preparations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day
Normandy Landings
History: D-Day Beachhead
History: World War Two
D-Day Anniversary: Queen honours France’s war dead in Paris
How many people died in world war 2?
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