D-Day Quotes + Their Meanings/Explanations

"D-Day Quotes" refers to a collection of powerful and impactful statements that capture the significance and bravery exhibited during the historic Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. These quotes often reflect the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the Allied forces as they embarked on one of the largest military operations in history, ultimately shaping the outcome of World War II.

Through these quotes, one can gain a deeper understanding of the immense challenges faced during D-Day and the unwavering spirit that propelled the troops towards victory.

Below are various d-day quotes with their meanings/explanations;

“Today, when people thank me for my service, I figure three years of my time is a cheap price to pay for this country. Nobody owes me a thing.” - Lieutenant Buck Compton

Many veterans today feel that they owe their service to the United States. This quote reflects the sentiment of many veterans. They believe that they have done nothing to deserve the recognition and gratitude coming their way, but they are happy to give what they can in return. Although this quote is simple, it carries a great deal of meaning for those who have served.

“The waiting for history to be made was the most difficult. I spent much time in prayer. Being cooped up made it worse. Like everyone else, I was seasick and the stench of vomit permeated our craft.” - Private Clair Galdonik

Waiting for history to be made can be difficult. For one, being cooped up in the same place with others can make it worse. Secondly, seasickness is common and the smell of vomit can permeate. Lastly, many people feel like they are not doing anything and are just waiting. Finally, different people have different expectations for what makes history.

“O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment - let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The world is a dangerous place, and it is only through faith in God that we can hope to persevere through it all. In this time of turmoil, it is more important than ever for people to have faith in one another and in their shared mission. It is through faith that we can overcome any obstacle, and that is why we need to maintain our faith in Thee, O Lord. Help us to remember that together, we are strong and can achieve anything. Amen.

“I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked me the other day when he said, ‘Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?’ Grandpa said, ‘No, but I served in a company of heroes.'” - Major Richard Winters

The grandson asked his grandpa this question, and it brought back many memories for the older man. He explained that he was not a hero in the war, but he was part of a company of heroes. The grandson was still curious about what it was like to be a hero, so his grandpa told him a story of when he helped save a fellow soldier's life.

“When I attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, some thought it might be the last such event. But the wartime generation-my generation-is resilient.” - Queen Elizabeth II, 75th anniversary of D-Day

On June 6, 2018, the world marked the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. The Normandy landings were a monumental event that not only changed the course of World War II, but also demonstrated the resolve and strength of the wartime generation. Despite predictions that this might be the last such commemoration, the resilience of the generation that experienced World War II is evident in ongoing events and programs commemorating this seminal moment in history.

“So much of the progress that would define the 20th century, on both sides of the Atlantic, came down to the battle for a slice of beach only six miles long and two miles wide.” - President Barack Obama, 65th anniversary of D-Day

The Battle of Normandy was one of the largest and most pivotal battles of World War II. It marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, and ultimately led to the liberation of Europe. The battle also had a significant impact on the course of the 20th century. Without Normandy, Europe would likely be under Nazi control, and the Holocaust may have been avoided.

“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.” - President Ronald Reagan

There is no greater honor than defending one's country and its democracy. These values are so important that many people would die for them. In fact, democracy is the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. It is the system that allows for the free and fair exchange of ideas and opinions. Democracy enables people to make their own decisions and to live in a society where everyone has an equal voice.

“God almighty, in a few short hours, we will be in battle with the enemy. We do not join battle afraid. We do not ask favors or indulgence but ask that, if you will, use us as your instrument for the right and an aid in returning peace to the world.” - Lt. Col Robert L Wolverton, commanding officer of 3rd battalion, 506th PIR

We have all been through drills and training, both in the United States military and in law enforcement academies. We have all been briefed on what to do in an emergency. We know what to do if we are separated from our unit or if we run into trouble. But even with all of our preparation, there is always a chance that something will go wrong and we will be called upon to use our skills in the real world.

“If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone.” - General Dwight Eisenhower, (in a draft of remarks)

This quote can be used to emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and to underscore the idea that failures are not always due to external factors.

“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely… I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower

You have been selected to lead a team of soldiers into combat against an overwhelming enemy force. You know that this is going to be a difficult task, but you are confident in your skills and determination. You know that your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle-hardened, but you are prepared for the challenge. You know that you will need all of your courage, dedication to duty and skill in battle if you are going to achieve victory.

“Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

On this day, in a time of great peril, our sons embark on a monumental journey. They are fighting to protect what we hold dear as Americans- our Republic, our religion, and our civilization. This is a challenge that has never been faced before, and one that will require all of their strength and courage. Our sons are doing everything in their power to ensure that humanity does not fall victim to the darkness that threatens to consume it.

“Now once more a supreme test has to be faced. This time, the challenge is not to fight to survive but to fight to win the final victory for the good cause. Once again, what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve.” - King George VI

This time, the challenge is not to fight to survive but to fight to win the final victory for the good cause. Many people have been waiting for months, if not years, for this moment. This is one of the most important battles in history and it's up to us to make sure that we win.

“And what a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever occurred.” - Winston Churchill

Operation Crossroads was an ambitious and complex plan during World War II to test the effects of a nuclear bomb on a major American city. The project took many years to plan and execute, and it was met with many challenges along the way. The project ultimately failed, but it is still considered one of the most complicated and difficult operations in history.

“We and our Allies are sure that our fight is against evil and for a world in which goodness and honor may be the foundation of the life of men in every land.” - King George VI

There is no doubt that the war against terrorism is a global effort, and one that must be carried out by all of us. The United States and our Allies are certain that our fight is against evil, and for a world in which goodness and honor may be the foundation of the life of men in every land. We are committed to this fight, and we will not waver until terrorists are defeated.

“That road to V-E Day was hard and long, and traveled by weary and valiant men. And history will always record where that road began. It began here, with the first footprints on the beaches of Normandy.” - President George W. Bush

The beaches of Normandy were not the most welcoming place for Allied troops on D-Day. The Nazis had destroyed much of the landscape, and there was still plenty of resistance to be found. The Allies had to march overland from England, braving the elements and enemy fire all the way. And when they finally arrived on Normandy's coast, they had to fight their way ashore. It was a hard road that led to V-E Day.

“This operation is not being planned with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that’s the way it’s going to be. We’re going down there, and we’re throwing everything we have into it, and we’re going to make it a success.” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower

The United States military has announced that they are planning an operation in Iraq to take back the city of Mosul from ISIS. While there are many possible alternatives to this operation, the military is confident that it will be a victory. They believe that by going in blind and without any backup, they will be able to take Mosul without any casualties. However, this operation is not without risk and there are many questions as to whether or not it will actually work.

“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower

In a world where so much is at stake, the United States of America is the hope of freedom-loving people everywhere. The principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are what make America exceptional. These values have inspired people from all over the world to fight for freedom and democracy. America's role as leader of the free world is critical, and its allies stand with it in times of crisis.

“They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest - until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken by the violences of war. For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Allied Forces are gearing up for the long fight ahead. The preparations will be hard, but they must be made if they hope to bring victory to the people of Europe. Men will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest - until the victory is won.

“I don’t feel that I’m any kind of hero. To me, the work had to be done. I was asked to do it. So I did. When I lecture kids, I tell them the same thing.” - Private First Class Joe Lesniewski

This quote is often used by people who have done something they don't feel is heroic. It tells the reader that this person isn't feeling like a hero, and that they only did what they were asked to do. The quote is often used by people who are lecturing kids, telling them that it's not about how big of a hero they are, but about doing what they're asked to do.

“All I could see was water, miles and miles of water. But this was D-Day and nobody went back to England and a lot of infantry riding in open barges seasick to the low-tide beaches were depending on us to draw the Germans off the causeways and gun batteries, and so, as Porter hurled himself against me, I grabbed both sides of the door and threw myself at the water.” - Private David Kenyon Webster, who became a writer after the war

On D-Day, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in a massive assault. But even before the first men hit the sand, there was concern about what awaited them. Most had never been in water more than ankle deep and many were seasick as they rode in open barges to their beachhead.

“I took chances on D-Day that I never would have taken later in the war.” - First Sgt. C Carwood Lipton, 506th Parachute Regiment, 101st Airborne Division

On D-Day, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in a massive amphibious assault. The Allies were confident that they could defeat Nazi Germany by landing on the beaches and defeating the German Army in France. However, the war continued to go poorly for the Allies. By the end of the war, the Allies had lost more than two million soldiers.

“This battle has been forced upon us by the Russians and the United States military authorities.” - Winston Churchill

The United States and Russia are in a race to find and destroy ISIS. The problem is that the Russian military strategy is to bomb targets while the American strategy is to go in with ground troops.

“The road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The road ahead will be long and hard, but victory is guaranteed if we stand together as a united people. The enemy is strong, but we are not afraid – we know that by the grace of God, success may not come quickly, but we will return again and again until He has delivered us from our enemies. We must continue to pray and trust in Him, because He is always faithful.

“We want to get the hell over there. The quicker we clean up this goddamned mess, the quicker we can take a little jaunt against the purple pissing Japs and clean out their nest, too. Before the goddamned Marines get all of the credit.” - General George S. Patton, Jr.

There's something about a dirty job that just feels satisfying. For some, it might be the challenge of cleaning something up that's been neglected for too long. For others, it might be the adrenaline rush that comes with taking on a daunting task. No matter why, there's something undeniably satisfying about taking care of business and getting the job done quickly. And that's what we're all aiming for when it comes to cleaning up the world around us.

“They’re murdering us here. Let’s move inland and get murdered.” - Colonel Charles D. Canham, 116th Infantry Regiment commander, on Omaha Beach

People living near the coast are used to the sound of waves crashing against the shore. But for people living inland, the sound of waves can be jarring and unwelcome. That's because inland waves are caused by wind blowing over mountains. The National Weather Service has been tracking these waves for years, and they're getting bigger and more frequent. Inland wave activity is causing problems for residents, who are dealing with flooding, erosion, and destruction of property.

“It was a different world then. It was a world that required young men like myself to be prepared to die for a civilization that was worth living in.” - Harry Read, British D-Day veteran who jumped again this week with the British Parachute Regiment’s freefall display team

World War II was a time of great change for America. Prior to the war, most people believed that the United States would be the dominant world power. The war changed that and showed the world that there were other countries that could stand up to America. The war also changed the way Americans thought about death. Prior to the war, many Americans believed that death was a natural part of life.

“These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.” - President Ronald Reagan

The D-Day landings were the largest amphibious assault of World War II, and for the American soldiers who participated, it was one of the most terrifying moments of their lives. For the British troops who made up the main force, it was a momentous occasion that would help end World War II. The soldiers who took Pointe du Hoc were some of the bravest men in the world, and their bravery has never been forgotten.

“We know that progress is not inevitable. But neither was victory upon these beaches. Now, as then, the inner voice tells us to stand up and move forward. Now, as then, free people must choose.” - President Bill Clinton

Progress is not inevitable. Neither was victory upon these beaches. Now, as then, the inner voice tells us to stand up and move forward. Now, as then, free people must choose between stagnation and progress. The choice is ours to make. We know what needs to be done and we must do it.

“At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young or too old to play a part in a nation-wide, perchance a worldwide vigil of prayer as the great crusade sets forth.” - King George VI, speaking during a radio address on June 6, 1944.

We stand on the threshold of a great and important undertaking. We, as a nation, are called to rally around our king and queen and pray for wisdom as they lead us into this great crusade. This is an undertaking that will require all hands on deck, and we should all participate in this important event. No one, young or old, is too busy or too old to take part in this vigil of prayer.

“After nearly five years of toil and suffering, we must renew that crusading impulse on which we entered the war and met its darkest hour.” - King George VI

In the days following the declaration of war, many young men responded enthusiastically to the call to arms. Their idealism and patriotism were unrivaled and they were eager to serve their country. However, after five years of fighting, many of these men are now casualties of a conflict that has taken a heavy toll on both sides. It is time for the nation to renew that crusading impulse which led us into this war and met its darkest hour.

“When pressure mounts and strain increases, everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.” - General Dwight D Eisenhower

The Commander must be able to maintain a sense of calm under pressure, even when everything else around him seems to be crumbling. He must be able to keep his composure, no matter how difficult the situation gets.

“Hitler made only one big mistake when he built his Atlantic Wall. He forgot to put a roof on it.” - World War II U.S. paratrooper aphorism

The Atlantic Wall was Adolf Hitler's attempt to protect Nazi-occupied Europe from a potential Allied invasion. The wall was built in the months leading up to World War II, and consisted of a series of metal and concrete barriers stretching for more than 700 miles. Although it was one of the most well-known aspects of Nazi Germany, Hitler made only one big mistake when he built it: he forgot to put a roof on it.

“I’m very disappointed, and I hate leaving the world feeling this way.” - Private Jack Port, now 97, on the state of the world currently

Private Jack Port is one of the last living veterans of World War II. He was a combat infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division and he was wounded in Italy. After the war, he worked as a truck driver and then a policeman. He retired in 1984 and has lived in North Carolina ever since. In an interview with The Guardian, Port said that he is very disappointed with the state of the world today.

“There is one great thing that you men will all be able to say after this war is over and you are home once again. … When you are sitting by the fireplace with your grandson on your knee and he asks you what you did in the great World War II … you can look him straight in the eye and say, Son, your granddaddy rode with the Great Third Army and a son-of-a-goddamned-bitch named Georgie Patton!” - General George S. Patton, Jr.

After years of fighting and bloodshed, one great thing that you men will all be able to say is that the war is finally over. You will be able to look your grandson in the eye and tell him that no matter what, you will always have his back. You will have each other's backs as you mend the broken relationships that were created during this time.

“They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate.” - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a speech in which he articulated what would come to be known as the Four Freedoms. These four freedoms were freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The idea behind these freedoms was that they should be afforded to all people, regardless of their nationality or race. In 1943, Roosevelt delivered a speech entitled "The Soldier and the State”.

“You get your ass on the beach. I’ll be there waiting for you and I’ll tell you what to do. There ain’t anything in this plan that is going to go right.” - Colonel Paul R. Goode, in a pre-attack briefing to the 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division

If there's one thing the majority of people know about getting themselves to the beach, it's that there ain't nothing in this plan that is going to go right. From spilling your drink all over yourself as you try and get through the crowded sand, to forgetting your towel and having to stand around for hours in nothing but a sunhat, these are all common scenarios that happen when someone decides to head out to the sand.

“The first time I saw a poster wanting men to sign up to be paratroopers and heard how hard it would be to make it in, I knew that was for me. I wanted an elite group of soldiers around me.” - Staff Sergeant Frank Soboleski

There's something about being a part of an elite group that makes people feel special. It's the same feeling you get when you're in your favorite movie and the action is happening right in front of you. For some, joining an elite military organization is a way to feel like they have a part in something bigger than themselves. This is especially true for people who enjoy adventure and risk. Joining the Army could be the adventure you're looking for.

“What more powerful manifestation of America’s commitment to human freedom than the sight of wave after wave after wave of young men boarding those boats to liberate people they had never met?” - President Barack Obama, 70th anniversary of D-Day

The atrocities committed by the Nazis against European Jews during World War II are well known. But lesser known is the role that the Allies played in liberating Europe from the Nazis. Young men, many of whom had never set foot outside of their own countries, risked their lives to liberate people they had never met. These brave individuals embodied America's commitment to human freedom and helped to ensure that people around the world could live in a free society.

“We’ll start the war from right here.” - Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (son of the former president, who landed with his troops in the wrong place on Utah Beach)

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was serving as a brigadier general in the United States Army and leading troops on Utah Beach in Normandy, France during World War II when he realized his troops were landing on the wrong beach. He immediately ordered his men to turn around and land on Omaha Beach, which would lead to Allied victory over Nazi Germany. Brigadier General Roosevelt's actions during the war saved countless lives and cemented his legend as one of America's greatest military leaders.

“With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogance. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace - a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The United States of America is in peril. A band of religious zealots, led by a man called Donald Trump, has taken control of the government. They are intent on imposing their radical, un-American ideas on the rest of us, and on destroying our country. We must resist them. We need someone to lead us in this fight, someone with the power and the will to defeat our enemies.

“Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the coming days, the world will be watching as the United States of America hosts the World Cup. Millions of people from all corners of the globe will be tuning in to see the US and their foreign opponents battle it out on the field. For many, this will be a chance to root for their home country and celebrate American accomplishments. For others, it will be an opportunity to learn more about other cultures and admire the beautiful game.

“They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of the battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Israel is a small country, and its people are often asked how they can survive in such a hostile environment. The answer, of course, is that Israelis fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all their people be the norm. They yearn for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these warriors who fight for all of us, who give their lives so that we may live in peace.

“I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck!” - Winston Churchill

When General George S. Patton learned that he had been selected to lead the U.S. Third Army in World War II, he famously quipped "I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!" His words are still quoted by military leaders today as a reminder of the importance of putting the needs of one's soldiers first.

Other Quotes

Death Quotes

December Quotes

Deception Quotes

Decision Quotes