Seventy years ago today, Allied forces from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and various other parts of the globe, embarked on the largest military invasion in history: D-Day. Germany had overtaken Europe four years prior, but now the tide was turning and “a second front” was being opened to defeat Germany. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of this Allied armada and it was his responsibility to lead this enormous undertaking. But victory on the beaches of Normandy, where the invasion force landed, cannot be attributed to Eisenhower or any other Allied commander. God was the true hero of the battle of Normandy. His providence was the deciding factor in possibly the most epic battle between good and evil. The battle of Normandy was a fight between liberty and tyranny, right and wrong, freedom and fascism, and in this battle, light conquered dark.
Dwight Eisenhower spoke to his men before the invasion took place, telling them, “You are about to embark upon a 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.” The dedication of his troops was evident as Allied soldiers waded ashore to the beaches and floated from the sky into the French countryside. Allied paratroopers jumped behind the German lines to secure bridges and other vital transportation lines while the bulk of the invasion force came ashore from the sea.
The providence of God can be clearly seen in the battle of D-Day. Leading up to the invasion there was much debate about the weather situation and even whether or not the invasion should take place. The storm which began beating the English Channel in early June was the worst that the English Channel had seen in two decades. Furthermore, it was German General Erwin Rommel’s wife’s birthday on June 6. He left the defenses of Normandy for the day to see her. The storm which had raged in the Channel paused long enough for the Allied armies to launch their gigantic invasion, catching the Germans by surprise.
Ronald Reagan traveled to Normandy to honor the memory of D-Day on its fortieth anniversary in 1984. He spoke that day and said these words about the cause for which the Allies fought: “The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next.”
The story of D-Day is a story of dedication and providence. The dedication and sacrifice of countless Allied soldiers preserved the freedoms we enjoy today. They did not fight alone though. Their cause was noble and God was on their side. He was the one that won the day, seventy years ago.