June 6, 2019 (Thursday)
President Donald Trump traveled to Normandy on Thursday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day and pay tribute to American and allied forces who led the invasion of Nazi-occupied France that was the turning point in World War II.
“You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live. You are the pride of our nation. You are the glory of our republic. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” the president said, addressing the over 60 veterans in attendance who fought in the consequential battle.
World War II in North Africa and Italy began in June, 1940. It began for the United States in the Pacific on December 7, 1941 and had been raging for two and a half years when the Allies landed in France. Today is a special day of remembrance. In 1944 this was the day that had been anticipated by friend and foe alike, the day the Allied Forces invaded France. D Day, June 6, 1944, will always be a pivotal date in world history.
A terrible price was paid that day, as boys made it to the beach and beyond, in the face of an awesome defense. Many died. Many were wounded.
Words, Daniel C. Roberts, 1876
Music, George W. Warren, 1888
God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never-ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.
Click here to read and hear President Roosevelt’s prayer on D-Day.