(NewsNation) — Veterans of the Second World War and World leaders met Thursday in Normandy, France, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
According to the National World War II Museum, what “D-Day” means has been debated among military historians. Many argue that the “D” in D-Day stands for “left”, “disembarkation”, “decision” and “death”, according to the museum.
However, another explanation is that the “D” means “day”, according to the US Department of Defense, specifically “the day on which an attack or combat operation will be launched.”
As Veterans and World Leaders Gather to Celebrate 80th Birthday of D-DaySee how the operation unfolded.
What happened on D-Day?
On June 6, 1944, almost 160,000 Allied soldiers landed in Normandy. Of these, 73 thousand were US soldiers. Forces from several other countries were also involved, including British, Canadian and French troops.
The D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France It was unprecedented in scale and audacity, using the largest armada of ships, troops, planes and vehicles ever to blow a hole in Adolf Hitler’s defenses in Western Europe and change the course of the Second World War.
Sea landings began at 6:30 a.m., just after dawn, targeting five codenamed beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The operation also included actions in the countryside, including night parachute landings at strategic German locations and U.S. Army Rangers climbing cliffs to destroy German gun positions.
Around 11,000 Allied aircraft, 7,000 ships and boats, and thousands of other vehicles were involved.
How many soldiers died on D-Day?
Of the 4,414 Allied soldiers killed on D-Day, 2,501 were Americans. More than 5,000 were injured.
In the ensuing Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. The battle – and especially the Allied bombing raids on French villages and towns – killed an estimated 20,000 French civilians.
Exact German casualties are not known, but historians estimate that between 4,000 and 9,000 men were killed, wounded or missing during the D-Day invasion alone. Around 22,000 German soldiers are among the many buried in Normandy.
How many D-Day veterans are still alive?
The number of survivors attending major anniversary celebrations in France continues to decline, as the youngest survivors are now in their late 90s.
The Associated Press reports that it is unclear how many D-Day veterans are still alive. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it does not track the number.
President Joe Biden met with 41 veterans of the Normandy campaign at Thursday’s events in France. Of those in Normandy, 33 were there on D-Day itself. The total number of World War II veterans present at the commemoration is 180, the White House said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
