75th Anniversary of D-Day



The 75th anniversary of D-Day (Operation Overlord) is Thursday, June 6th (in 2019). On that date 75 years ago, the Allied forces (England, USA, Canada) invaded northern France, held by Germany) by means of beach landings in the Normandy coast.

More than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to push back Nazi Germany out of France. More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, which allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe.

This major historical event may have been a part in one form or another of an ancestor’s experience. You may have had an uncle, father, grandfather, etc who was part of this major operation, if not on the French beaches, maybe back in England where the preparation was done for months ahead of time.

If you have such an ancestor still living, take the time to interview them about this one event. Even if an ancestor wasn’t there, if they were on the homefront (back in the USA) they were helping some how in the war effort. Interview them also. Ask especially their reaction on learning of what happened on those beaches. Your ancestor may have been a teenager, not in the military at that time and so they would have information also.

This date should not be forgotten and especially how any of your family members were involved. If they are not alive, check with cousins or siblings who are alive to see what they know. Also, see if any military records can be located.

Do research of hometown newspapers to see if that ancestor’s name is mentioned.

Photos: Recognition of 75th Anniversary and Americans landing on Omaha Beach.

Related FamilyTree.com Blogs:

Ancestors in Which War?

National Archives

Military Resources

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