For a number of Americans, June 6, 1944, will be embedded in their memories, and the memories of their families, forever.

Seventy years ago this week, Allied troops stormed a French coastline, which was heavily armed by Nazi Germany forces. More than 150,000 American troops, along with 12,000 aircraft and 5,000 ships were involved in the invasion to defeat the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower was quoted as saying, “We will accept nothing less than full victory” regarding the crusade, the largest amphibious invasion in history. The road to victory was a difficult one, costing the Allies more than 4,400 lives on that day, but our courageous forces pushed their way into a strong foothold on the European soil. Within a week of the D-Day invasion, the Normandy beaches were secure, and more than 325,000 troops were then ready to march across France. By Aug. 25 of that year, Paris was liberated from the Nazis.

In that moment, Americans were never so united in their attitude of support than any time in our history. The war effort needed every available citizen to do his or her part to support the troops. Food, clothing, metal, tires and many other items were rationed and in short supply as the Armed Forces were building tanks, ships and airplanes as fast as they could. Our nation faced the uncertainty of war, united in their courage and determined to claim victory over Hitler’s armies.

By the time the 75th anniversary of D-Day is celebrated five years from now, only a handful of veterans from this era will be left.

May we always remember the sacrifices our Armed Forces made on that fateful day, and may we keep the memories and history alive for future generations.

Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting my website at www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.