☀️Sherry Ann Bruckner, JD’s Post

Prior to the D-Day invasion, the last mission to France was at Dunkirk and troops became trapped; it was viewed a success only in that more troops were rescued than expected due to assistance from personal vessels aiding in the effort but it was, in fact, a rescue mission - Operation Dynamo. Knowing how Dunkirk turned out, the next move to make it onto French soil was critically important. Operation Overlord, a massive and ultimately successful effort for the allies to gain footing on mainland Europe, was being planned (the D-Day invasion) and it is believed it would have been a devastating endeavor to the allies if it weren't for many preemptive distractive efforts: -Operation Bodyguard (The idea to implement deceptions prior to D-Day) -Operation Starkey (a false allied amphibious invasion into the Boulogne area, in North France) -Operation Wadham (A false attack on Brest) -Operation Tindall (A false army believed to attack Norway) -Operation Fortitude (a fake army, when viewed from the sky, at Dover) ...as well as other subplan diversions, like Quicksilver. All of these were clever deceptive distractions and diversions. 5 days before the Normandy invasion, actors, a fake army (wood soldiers, inflatable tanks, etc), fake aerial attacks of the false invasion locations and false broadcasts (using intercepted German communications to their advantage) fooled the German leader, and his spies, into moving many troops from the Atlantic Wall at Normandy and mostly reinforcing Pas de Calais, and this was because they made Hitler believe General Patton would be handling the invasion at Pas de Calais from Dover. While there were losses at the beaches of Normandy, it is believed these would have been much worse if the German troops manning the area near Normandy remained and they were only relocated as a result of these clever schemes and diversions. Let's remember D-Day, most definitely, but let's also recall, remember and teach younger people about these many other efforts that made the D-Day invasions successful, and, this isn't all of them. #dday #normandyinvasion #operationoverlord #operationbodyguard #operationfortitude #operationstarkey #operationwadham #operationtindall #operationquicksilver #departmentofdefense #alliedtroops #military #june61944

D-Day, the 6th of June 1944, stands as one of the most significant and solemn events in modern history. It marks the day when Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken. In the early hours of that fateful day, thousands of soldiers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations braved rough seas, perilous skies, and heavily fortified German defenses along the Normandy coast. Their mission was fraught with unimaginable danger and uncertainty. Each wave of troops stormed the beaches—codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword—under relentless enemy fire, often facing insurmountable odds. The bravery and sacrifice displayed on D-Day were monumental. Men who had left behind families, friends, and the comforts of home charged into a hellish landscape. Many never returned, giving the ultimate sacrifice for a cause greater than themselves. Their valor and determination forged a path that would lead to the eventual defeat of tyranny and the restoration of freedom to millions. The success of D-Day was not only a turning point in World War II but also a testament to the power of unity and resolve. It showcased the extraordinary capacity for human courage and the strength that can be found when nations come together to fight against oppression and injustice. As we remember D-Day, we honor the heroes who fought and those who fell. We reflect on the immense cost of war and the enduring values of freedom and democracy that they fought to preserve. Their legacy is a solemn reminder of the price of liberty and the enduring need to strive for a world where such sacrifices are never again necessary.

As the holiday season is starting, you may not know that every nation around the world recognizes September 21 as the International Day of Peace. With so many needless wars happening right now, and so many people dying unnecessarily, I hope you will join in observing this holiday for peace. And I hope you will take at least one small form of action. You could share this card; you could put flowers on a war memorial; you could simply tell someone that you care. We may feel powerless at times, but if each of us just did one little act of peace, it can change the world. https://lnkd.in/gMekQmaK

Honoring Sacrifice: The Meaning of Remembrance Day Each year on November 11, countries around the world pause to honor the end of World War I, paying tribute to the countless individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. Known as Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries, this day is dedicated to reflecting on the bravery of those who fought and the deep losses endured during the “war to end all wars.” At 11 a.m., a moment of silence is observed, symbolizing a collective respect and gratitude for the soldiers, medics, and civilians who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Remembrance Day is not just about remembering the past—it’s a call to value peace in our present and future. By honoring the sacrifices of those who protected our world, we renew our commitment to avoiding the horrors of war. The red poppy, worn as a symbol of remembrance, reminds us of both the tragedy of conflict and the resilience of those who serve. As we remember, we hold hope that such devastation will not be repeated. Remembrance Day serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the enduring human desire for peace. Let us honor those who served by striving for a world where such sacrifices are no longer necessary.

Honoring the Legacy of D-Day: Beyond the Beaches, a Three-Month Struggle for Liberation The Battle for Normandy: Beyond June 6 While D-Day marked a crucial breakthrough, it was merely the opening act of a much larger campaign. The following three months, known as the Battle of Normandy, involved intense and often brutal combat as Allied forces sought to establish and expand their foothold in France. Securing the Beachhead After the initial landings, the Allies faced the daunting task of consolidating their positions. The dense hedgerows and fortified villages of the Normandy countryside provided the German army with natural defensive strongholds, resulting in slow and costly advances for the Allies. Key battles, such as the struggle for the city of Caen, exemplified the fierce resistance and strategic importance of these areas. Caen was intended to be captured on D-Day itself, but it took nearly six weeks of continuous fighting to secure the city, underscoring the complexities of the campaign. The Breakout: Operation Cobra The stalemate was finally broken with Operation Cobra in late July 1944. Spearheaded by American forces under General Omar Bradley, this offensive aimed to punch through the German lines and enable a rapid advance through the French countryside. Utilizing concentrated aerial bombardments and coordinated ground assaults, the Allies managed to breach German defenses, leading to a rapid and decisive breakthrough. This breakout allowed the Allies to encircle and capture thousands of German troops in the Falaise Pocket, a significant blow to the German war effort. The successful execution of Operation Cobra facilitated the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944, a momentous occasion that symbolized the beginning of the end for Nazi occupation in Western Europe. The Legacy of Perseverance and Sacrifice The story of D-Day and the subsequent Battle of Normandy is one of extraordinary courage, strategic brilliance, and relentless perseverance. The liberation of France required more than a single day of heroism; it demanded sustained effort and immense sacrifice from Allied forces over the span of several months. The 80th anniversary of D-Day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought and fell for freedom. It is a testament to the unity and determination of the Allied nations, whose combined efforts turned the tide of World War II. As we honor the veterans and remember the fallen, we acknowledge that the triumph of D-Day was not an endpoint but the beginning of a relentless campaign to restore peace and democracy to a war-torn continent. In commemorating this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to the values for which the Allies fought—freedom, justice, and the enduring pursuit of peace. The lessons of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy continue to resonate, reminding us of the price of liberty and the unwavering spirit required to defend it.

Honoring Remembrance Day Today, November 11th, we pause to observe Remembrance Day, a significant day of reflection in Canada and around the world. This day is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of military personnel who have served in conflicts past, with a special focus on World War I and World War II. At 11 a.m., we join together in a moment of silence, a tradition that began to mark the end of World War I in 1918. This observance serves as a reminder of the bravery, resilience, and commitment to freedom demonstrated by those who served. **Why Remembrance Day Matters** 1. Honoring Sacrifice: Remembrance Day transcends political divides, recognizing the courage of those who fought for peace and freedom, ensuring a safer world for future generations. 2. Promoting Understanding: Participating in Remembrance Day allows us to deepen our understanding of history, while appreciating values of courage and resilience central to our identity. 3. Reflecting on Peace: Beyond remembrance, this day encourages us to engage in conversations about the impacts of war and the ongoing importance of peace. **Ways to Observe Remembrance Day** • Wear a Poppy: A symbol of remembrance, wearing a poppy is a powerful gesture of solidarity with those who served. • Learn and Reflect: Take time to learn about our history and veterans' stories. Visiting places like the Okanagan Military Museum can be a meaningful way to deepen this knowledge. • Support Veterans: Consider donating to organizations that provide rehabilitation services and support for veterans and their families. This Remembrance Day, let’s each take a moment to honor the past, reflect on our present freedoms, and advocate for peace.

Acts 14 describes to us Paul’s example of the mission of the church, what missions is about, and what missionaries do. From his model of missions we can draw a three-legged stool of mission work. Read more from Kevin DeYoung on Paul’s mission enterprise, and the essentials of mission work, at missionary.com

Today we take a moment to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by millions during World War II. On this occasion of remembrance and reconciliation, we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom, justice, and peace. Seventy years have passed since the guns fell silent, but the reverberations of war still linger in our hearts and minds. We remember the soldiers who valiantly fought on the battlefields, the civilians who endured unimaginable hardships, and the families torn apart by the ravages of conflict. In acknowledging the ongoing struggles that people face daily, such as poverty, inequality, and mental health issues, we must broaden our commemoration. The battles of World War II resulted in countless innocent victims, including women and children who were left to support their families in the absence of husbands and fathers, facing economic hardship and social upheaval. Children, too, bore the scars of war, their innocence shattered by violence and displacement, often enduring lifelong trauma. Over the last 35 years, CSVR has worked tirelessly in our efforts to strive towards peaceful, equal, and violence-free societies. This underscores the importance of addressing not only historical conflicts but also the contemporary challenges that threaten peace and human well-being. Let's work to ensure that the horrors of war never resurface and that the ideals they fought for—freedom, democracy, and human dignity—endure for generations to come. #CSVR35 #TimeOfRemembranceAndReconciliation #PeacefulSocieties

#DidYouKnow The haunting Zone Rouge near Verdun, France, stands as a solemn testament to the environmental toll of World War I. Spanning 42,000 acres, this desolate area remains largely untouched by human hands, preserving the scars of warfare for generations to come. Ravaged by chemical weapons and relentless artillery bombardment, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on ecosystems. Despite efforts at reclamation, the Zone Rouge remains a haunting symbol of the enduring legacy of war, urging us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and to strive for a future of peace and environmental stewardship. #zonerouge #verdun #WWII #ecosystemservices #historicalsites #NaturePreservation #warremnants #humanhistory #remembrance #naturalheritage #ConservationEfforts #historicallandmark #battlefields #historicalfiction #worldwarimemorial www.tycoonstory.com

Here’s the final part of my piece about Normandy 1944, focusing on the devastating impact of the liberation on the region’s cities and towns - and on the terrors experienced by its civilians.