D-Day from a Jewish Point of View
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D-Day from a Jewish Point of View

Last week, on June 6, 2019, the world marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion in Normandy, France.

By AJT Staff June 12, 2019, 11:30 am Edit
  • One of 149 Jewish soldiers' tombstones in Normandy.
    One of 149 Jewish soldiers' tombstones in Normandy.
  • Tombstone of President Teddy Roosevelt's eldest son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
    Tombstone of President Teddy Roosevelt's eldest son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
  • One of the "Dakotas" during the largest flyover of the C47 transport planes since WWII.
    One of the "Dakotas" during the largest flyover of the C47 transport planes since WWII.
  • Thousands of spectators watched the Presidential remarks, including 183 WWII veterans seated behind the podium.
    Thousands of spectators watched the Presidential remarks, including 183 WWII veterans seated behind the podium.

Last week, on June 6, 2019, the world marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion in Normandy, France, that began the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany and set the foundation for the modern trans-Atlantic alliance. Britain, America, Canada and France united with more than 150,000 soldiers attacking German forces on the coast of Normandy. This was the turning point for World War II in Europe and the beginning of the end for not only the German forces, but most of all, Hitler.

The AJT’s owner and publisher Michael Morris had the opportunity to attend the ceremony in Normandy. He noted that 183 World War II veterans took part in the ceremony and appeared on stage, 130 of whom landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day or parachuted behind enemy lines the previous night.

Five of the men were knighted, receiving France’s highest medal of honor, Legion d’honneur.

Morris was touched by the many flyover tributes, one with contrails of red, white and blue, the shared colors of both the American and French flags. Among the flyovers was the largest contingency of C-47 Dakota transporter planes to soar the skies since World War II.

The final flyover and closing tribute to D-Day’s 75th anniversary.

“Watching this ceremony on the hallowed grounds of the graves of more than 10,000 Americans who fought for freedom and are now buried on the cliffs overlooking Normandy Beach – essentially ground zero – for the retaking of Europe and the reaffirmation of freedom over tyranny was a deeply moving experience.”

During the D-Day commemoration, U.S. President Donald Trump also paid tribute to the soldiers who stormed the French shores 75 years ago, describing the event as “An epic battle and the ferocious eternal struggle between good and evil.”

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