In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy during World War II, President Ronald Reagan spoke from Point-du-Hoc on the Normandy shores, praising those who risked their lives to “fight for all humanity.”
“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,” he said. “It was the deep knowledge — and pray God we have not lost it — that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.”
“You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you,” he added.
Often referred to as the turning point for the allies in World War II, more than 9,000 allied soldiers were wounded or killed in the invasion.
“The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!” then-General Dwight Eisenhower, who led the allied troops ashore, said in advance of the invasion. “I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!”
Watch Reagan’s speech in full below.
