Memories of the D-day landing History Research Paper

Memories of the D-Day Landing
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

Memories of the D-Day Landing
The Normandy, Operation Overlord, or D-Day landing was the beginning of the end of the Second World War. In particular, it was the most significant moment in the world history, where the combined military efforts of Canada, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK) liberated the northern part of France. The commander of the Operation Overlord was Dwight Eisenhower, who was appointed in January 1944 due to his outstanding military experience. Indeed, defeating the Nazis was not straightforward since they were well-organized and had a large troop (History.com, 2019). That is the reason why the USA, UK, and Canada used a diversionary tactic to confuse German soldiers so that Eisenhower can attack and eliminate enemies faster. Nazis were not easy to defeat since if they knew the secret of Operation Overlord, the American, Canadian, and British soldiers would have been killed before arriving in the five beaches of Normandy. The D-Day landing was a significant historical event that should be commemorated since it led to the elimination of the Nazis in Western Europe and the end of World War II.
Operation Overlord was planned to start on June 5, 1944, which did not happen due to bad weather. By June 6, about 156,000 soldiers from allied forces had already landed on Utah, Sword, Omaha, Juno, and Gold. These five beaches lie in the northern coast of France and stretch along a 50-mile of the chore line. American soldiers landed in Utah and Omaha, British forces in Sword and Gold, and the Canadian army in Juno (BBC, 2019). Nazis had not anticipated such an attack, and that was the only advantage that made allied troops succeed in eliminating their enemies. Approximately 7,000 ships and aircraft and 10,000 vehicles had landed in Normandy coast. During all this time, Nazis perceived as if the primary invasion target was Norway or Pas-de-Calais. Some of the tactics that Eisenhower used to make German soldiers believe that the above locations were the main target include the use of a phantom army, fake equipment, and misleading radio transmissions. As such, even when the attack began on the Normandy coast, Nazis primary focus was on Pas-de-Calais, Norway, and other locations. The Canadian and British soldiers encountered light opposition in Juno, Sword, and Gold beaches. Additionally, American forces took over Utah beach without significant opposition. However, it was not easy to acquire Omaha beach since around 2,000 American soldiers were injured (BBC, 2019). All in all, the entire operation was a success and it was the beginning of the fall of the Nazis since many of their soldiers died.
The majority of Americans are happy when they commemorate the D-Day landing since it was a significant turning point to the systems of governance in the USA and other countries. Civil societies and allied governments respect the USA government for its contributions during Operation Overlord. Americans are proud of their country for being among the victors in one of the biggest war that sent the Nazis back to their motherland. The remembrance of Operation Overlord brings joy to many individuals who hold good social memories. People celebrate the D-Day commemoration by remembering soldiers who sacrificed their lives to free their country (Garamone, 2019). During the D-Day landing memorials, individuals are reminded about the significance of togetherness during challenging times. Moreover, the unity of the USA with other countries depicts that success is the fruit of cooperation in everything. Since conquering the Nazis during Operation Overlord, the UK and Canada have remained as close allies to the USA since it played significant roles during the Normandy landing.
The USA is proud of being in the frontline of Operation Overlord and redeeming the entire continent from the hands of the Nazis. The deputy secretary of defense for the public affairs, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, was among the people who read some of the names of 9,000 soldiers who died during the D-Day operations. The individual said that June 6, 1944, was a monumental turning point in the world, where tyrants were defeated, and the USA and its allies started to exercise democracy. As such, Americans memorize it as the day citizens gained the freedom to participate in the governance of their country. Other countries that hold good memories of the D-Day landing include Belgium, Greece, Poland, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Czechoslovakia (Lopez, 2019). Consequently, the D-Day landing showed that free nations could unite and share their knowledge, men, treasure, and resources to achieve a common objective with mutual benefits. 
People reflect the D-Day landing as something that happened to show the significance of combined efforts. During the 75th anniversary, Hoffman stated clearly that the act of heroism and bravery depicted by allied forces resonate with the current military. Soldiers honor and follow the footsteps of service members who were in the frontline, fighting for the betterment of humanity. As such, they embrace the courage portrayed by allied troops in defending their nation, citizens, and friends. Soldiers who survived during Operation Overlord are in their mid-90s and are treated like legends due to their selfless contributions. For example, one of the D-Day landing veterans, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in France, said that he felt guilty even today since he was unable to help his colleagues after he got injured while jumping out of the aircraft when landing on the beach (Garamone, 2019). For this reason, Operation Overlord triggers good memories for numerous Americans and survivors. 
Furthermore, the D-Day landing significantly influences individuals’ commemorations. Indeed, it marked the end of tyranny by the Nazis across Europe. France remembers and celebrates the D-Day by giving the highest recognition, the Legion of Honor, to war veterans (Dungan, 2013). Additionally, French diplomats pin medals of D-Day survivors on their chests as a way to show respect to them. Specifically, to uphold memories of the D-Day, many schools involve Operation Overlord in their syllabus so that even upcoming generations can understand the influence of the D-Day in their contemporary lives. As such, the USA and its allies are committed to building successful countries, societies, organizations, and civilizations that honor the D-Day values of comradeship, duty, and self-sacrifice.
The memories of the D-Day landing show the success of various tactics used by allied forces of Canadian, British, and American soldiers. First, the weatherperson made Operation Overlord successful since he suggested to Eisenhower that June 5 was not the appropriate day for the attack due to bad weather. If the commander would have doubted the words of the weather forecaster, there was a likelihood that Normandy landing would have been a failure. Second, the deception tactic that involved the transportation of fake military equipment, misleading radio transmissions, and a phantom army diverted the attention of the Nazis. As such, it made them believe that Pas-de-Calais and Norway were among the primary invasion targets. Third, on the morning of June 5, 1944, paratroopers were busy behind enemy lines, destroying exit roads and bridges (Bird, Claxton, & Reeves, 2016, p. 57). For this reason, they prevented more Nazis from entering or leaving the beaches, which led to their defeat. Fourth, allied forces had relevant fighting equipment and many soldiers, which is explains why despite a great opposition in Omaha beach, American soldiers managed to acquire the region without asking for assistance. Consequently, the D-Day landing was not only a physical war, but it was also a mind game that resulted in the defeat of the Nazis.
After the Canadian, British, and American allied forces acquired the five beaches in Normandy, they increased their troops and military equipment. Specifically, they had more than 326,000 soldiers, 100,000 equipment, and over 50,000 vehicles (History.com, 2019). On that note, it appears they were ready to defend their newly acquired region if Nazis returned for vengeance. Germans were confused due to the unexpected attack and the absence of Commander Er...