June 6, 2020
Dear friends,
Each year soldiers from all branches of the American army stand alongside their friends and Allies during commemoration ceremonies dedicated to the thousands of brave soldiers who fought on the five landing beaches to liberate France from the Nazi occupation.
Unfortunately, this year, the Covid-19 epidemic will affect US military support for the commemoration of the landings. However, the United States and France will still pay tribute to the Allied forces who challenged tyranny on land, at sea or in the air 76 years ago. Landing day was a pivotal moment in our victory in World War II. The courage of the Allied soldiers and French patriots who fought to liberate France that day continues to inspire us. Today we have a thought and we remember together the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on this memorable day.
Commemorating the landing allows us to remember these heroic acts as an example for all of us today and for generations to come. Today, we stand virtually alongside our European Allies, partners and friends to remember the past and keep a continent at peace.
Although we are separated by the most disturbing world crisis since the Second World War, we will always be by your side to honor those who fought and sacrificed on the day of the landing.
Together We Remember.
Lt. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli
Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey
Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command
Lt. Gen. Francis M. Beaudette
Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla
Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps
Shift. Gen. James J. Mingus
Commanding General, 82nd Airborne Division
Shift. Gen. Brian E. Winski
Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division
Shift. Gen. John. S. Kolasheski
Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division
Shift. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane
Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division
Shift. Gen. John M. Epperly
Commanding General, 29th Infantry Division
– .
