Reality has a way of raising up obstacles.”
–Louis L’Amour (How the West Was Won)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
–Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
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Seventy-five years ago many a young man’s hopes and dreams were dashed on the beaches of Normandy. It was time to turn the tide against Nazi Germany, but the price would be high. The beaches, especially Omaha would be drenched with the blood of allied soldiers. Yes, evil would require a great sacrifice to be put at bay and begin to retreat. It was the beginning of the end. It took another year for the German forces to accept defeat, but D-Day, the invasion of Normandy was the start.
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to
Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Duty often compels a great price to be given. Have you ever thought what might have gone through the men’s minds as they left the comparative safety of their ship to the landing craft that would take them to the enemy waiting on the beach? Would they survive? Would there be a bullet with their name on it? Yes, the price of duty is often high. Yet, it was faced. Remember that today evil must be faced! It may not be a bullet, but perhaps the evil that is confronting us/you is even more dangerous for it seeks to destroy your soul.
Remember, Christ fulfilled His duty on the cross. Can we do no less than give our all to follow Him? The battle is raging, but the victory is won. In your own personal D-Day, “accept nothing less than full Victory!”