Seventy-nine years ago, one of the most famous missions in World War II began on this day.

Some 160,000 Allied troops, which included a majority of soldiers from the United States, Great Britain and Canada, landed along a 50-mile French coastline to battle Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. More than 5,000 ships and 12,000 aircraft supported the invasion.

Since the historic landings, we have classified this event as D-Day, which ultimately led the forces in their march across Europe and ended Adolf Hitler’s reign.

One of our county’s own, Fredonia’s Leslie Morrison who served as grand marshal of the Dunkirk Memorial Day services and parade, was there shortly after the historic event. He served in the U.S. Army.

But there was a large price paid for the invasion as nearly 9,000 Allied soldiers died. Those leading the charge knew the consequences.

“This operation is not being planned with any alternatives,” said Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. “This operation is planned as a victory, and that’s the way it’s going to be. We’re going down there, and we’re throwing everything we have into it, and we’re going to make it a success.”

Those who serve our country — then and now — do it with a great deal of pride and courage. God bless them all.