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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
D-Day demystified: June 6 explained — what happened, why it mattered, and why the world still remembers
Eighty-one years ago, the beaches of Normandy changed the course of World War II and world history. The biggest amphibious invasion in military history began on June 6, 1944. D-Day was a turning point that showed the Allies' strength, strategy, and willingness to sacrifice for their country. Today, it's been 81 years since D-Day, the initial day of the Normandy landings that set the stage for the Allies' triumph over Nazi Germany in WWII. What does D-Day stand for? "D-Day" was military jargon for the start of a major operation; the initial "D" stood for "Day." "D-Day" actually means "Day-Day" in this context. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rich Man Keeps Annoying Royal Guard, But He Didnt Expect This To Happen Learn It Wise Undo The Royal British Legion reports that the term "D-Day" was in use frequently prior to the June 1944 Allied invasion. But after this, the two terms started to mean the same thing, and today most people think of D-Day as the start of Operation Overlord, as per a report by CNN. What's the history behind it? The operation, which had more than 150,000 soldiers, was very important in ending Hitler's rule in Europe. Operation Overlord was a success, even though many people died. It led to the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany, which changed the course of World War II forever. Live Events Under the cover of Operation Overlord, tens of thousands of soldiers from several countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, landed on five different beaches in Normandy, France: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The Allies started plotting D-Day over a year before it really happened, and they used a lot of military trickery to make the Germans confused about when and where the invasion would happen. What happened on D-Day? In what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history, the allied armies' land, air, and sea forces came together on June 6, 1944, for the D-Day operation. Under the code name OVERLORD, the operation sent five naval assault divisions to the French coast of Normandy. The code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD were assigned to the beaches. Over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied nations manned 7,000 ships and landing craft that made up the invasion force. On D-Day, nearly 133,000 soldiers from the US, the UK, and their allies touched down. 10,300 people from these nations lost their lives during the landing. 570,000 tons of supplies, 148,000 vehicles, and more than 850,000 men had touched down on the Normandy coast by June 30. German Nazi forces were defeated as a result of the valiant efforts of Russian forces on the eastern front and the allied forces ' soldiers, sailors, and pilots on the western front. General Alfred Jodl of Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France, on May 7, 1945, as quoted in a report by the Eisenhower Presidential Library. How did D-Day unfold? US troops were stationed at Omaha Beach on the northern end of the Normandy coast and Utah Beach at the foot of the Cotentin Peninsula. After that, the Canadians landed at Juno, then the British at Sword, the invasion's easternmost point, and finally the British on Gold Beach. The troops had moved farther inland from Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword by midnight, and they had secured their beachheads. But not all of the landings were successful; the invasion plan was delayed and hampered at Omaha Beach, where US forces suffered heavy losses as numerous landing craft were driven from their intended positions by strong currents. Casualties also resulted from heavy fire from German positions on the precipitous cliffs, which Prior to the invasion had not been adequately destroyed by Allied bombing. Why does it matter, and why does the world still remember it? Hitler's despotic rule came to an end on D-Day, a pivotal operation in World War II that also marked the Western Allies' greatest triumph. Normandy was taken over by the Allies, which allowed them to move into northwest Europe. France was freed as a result of Operation Overlord's success, which also made it possible for the Allies to combat the Germans in Nazi-occupied Europe. The failure of the operation, according to the US National World War II Museum, would have prevented another landing for at least a year, giving Hitler more time to build up the coastal defenses of Nazi-occupied Europe, develop aircraft and weapons, bomb the UK more heavily, and carry out his murderous campaign. FAQs Why is D-Day so important? It marked the beginning of the Allied campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe, which turned the tide of WWII. What exactly does "D-Day" mean? It simply stands for "Day-Day" and was used by the military to indicate the start date of any major operation.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
VE Day: See historic photos after World War II fighting ended in Europe
May 8 marks 80 years since the close of the European theater in World War II, when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies. The fighting in Europe stopped when the Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, Alfred Jodl, surrendered at General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Allied headquarters in Reims on May 7, 1945. Mere weeks after assuming the office, President Harry Truman said in his address to the nation, "the flags of freedom fly over all Europe," according to the National World War II Museum. In London, Winston Churchill addressed the cheering crowds saying, "This is your victory." The crowds responded, "No, it's yours," according to the museum. Truman designated May 8 as VE Day and the western allies followed suit, according to the museum. However, the Soviet Union recognizes its Victory Day on May 9 after having a second set of surrender documents signed by German Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel on May 8, 1945. Fighting in the Pacific theater continued for weeks, until the Japanese government surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945. See what it looked like as the surrender took place and the celebrations commenced on Victory in Europe Day, 1945. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: VE Day: See photos of celebrations after Germany's surrender
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First Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe
On May 9, 1945, the Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day, marking the official end of World War II in Europe. This date commemorates the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces, a momentous event that concluded nearly six years of devastating conflict on the European continent read more Russian tanks take part in a training session in preparation for the Victory Day military parade in downtown, Moscow, March 22, 1995. File Image/Reuters On May 9, amongst the events that unfolded, two significantly influenced the course of history. In 1945, the Soviet Union commemorated Victory Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Fifteen years later, in 1960, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral contraceptive pill, revolutionising reproductive health. Soviet Union celebrates Victory Day On May 9, 1945, the Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day, marking the official end of World War II in Europe. This date commemorates the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces, a momentous event that concluded nearly six years of devastating conflict on the European continent. The surrender was first signed on May 7, 1945, in Reims, France, by German General Alfred Jodl. However, the Soviet Union insisted on a second, more formal ceremony to be held in Berlin. This subsequent signing took place late on May 8, 1945, but due to time zone differences, it was already the early hours of May 9 in Moscow. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a result, the Soviet Union and many of its successor states observe Victory Day on May 9, distinguishing it from the May 8 celebrations in Western Europe and the United States. The significance of Victory Day in the Soviet Union was profound. The Eastern Front had been the site of some of the most brutal and deadly battles of the war, including the sieges of Leningrad and Stalingrad, and the Battle of Kursk. The Soviet Union suffered immense losses, with estimates of military and civilian deaths ranging from 20 to 27 million people. Victory Day served as both a celebration of triumph and a solemn remembrance of the sacrifices made. In Moscow, massive parades are organized to commemorate the victory. The first Victory Day Parade took place on June 24, 1945, in Red Square, featuring thousands of troops and a display of captured German military equipment. These parades became an annual tradition, symbolizing national pride and military strength. Victory Day also played a crucial role in Soviet identity and propaganda. It reinforced the narrative of the Soviet Union as the liberator of Europe from fascism and justified its post-war influence over Eastern Europe. The holiday became a cornerstone of Soviet patriotism, with veterans honored and war stories passed down through generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In contemporary Russia and several other former Soviet states, May 9 remains a significant public holiday. Commemorations include military parades, fireworks, and the laying of wreaths at war memorials. The day serves as a reminder of the immense cost of war and the enduring importance of peace. US FDA approves the first birth control pill On May 9, 1960, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Enovid-10, the world's first commercially produced oral contraceptive pill. Developed by the GD Searle Company of Chicago, Illinois, Enovid-10 was initially approved for the treatment of menstrual disorders but was later recognised for its contraceptive properties. The approval of Enovid-10 marked a significant milestone in reproductive health and women's rights. For the first time, women had access to a reliable and convenient method of birth control, granting them greater autonomy over their reproductive choices. This development played a crucial role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s, challenging traditional norms and empowering women to pursue education and careers without the immediate concern of unplanned pregnancies. Despite its groundbreaking nature, the introduction of the birth control pill was met with controversy. Religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, opposed its use, citing moral and ethical concerns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additionally, early versions of the pill were associated with side effects, including nausea and blood clots, leading to ongoing debates about its safety and regulation. Over time, advancements in pharmaceutical research led to the development of safer and more effective contraceptive options. The widespread availability of birth control has had profound implications for public health, family planning, and gender equality, solidifying its place as one of the most significant medical innovations of the 20th century.
Indianapolis Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
VE Day: See historic photos after World War II fighting ended in Europe
May 8 marks 80 years since the close of the European theater in World War II, when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies. The fighting in Europe stopped when the Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, Alfred Jodl, surrendered at General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Allied headquarters in Reims on May 7, 1945. Mere weeks after assuming the office, President Harry Truman said in his address to the nation, "the flags of freedom fly over all Europe," according to the National World War II Museum. In London, Winston Churchill addressed the cheering crowds saying, "This is your victory." The crowds responded, "No, it's yours," according to the museum. Truman designated May 8 as VE Day and the western allies followed suit, according to the museum. However, the Soviet Union recognizes its Victory Day on May 9 after having a second set of surrender documents signed by German Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel on May 8, 1945. Fighting in the Pacific theater continued for weeks, until the Japanese government surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945.
USA Today
08-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
VE Day: See historic photos after World War II fighting ended in Europe
VE Day: See historic photos after World War II fighting ended in Europe Show Caption Hide Caption 80 years on: VE Day and Europe's liberation This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Allies' victory over Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe, which claimed millions of lives. unbranded - Newsworthy May 8 marks 80 years since the close of the European theater in World War II, when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies. The fighting in Europe stopped when the Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, Alfred Jodl, surrendered at General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Allied headquarters in Reims on May 7, 1945. Mere weeks after assuming the office, President Harry Truman said in his address to the nation, "the flags of freedom fly over all Europe," according to the National World War II Museum. In London, Winston Churchill addressed the cheering crowds saying, "This is your victory." The crowds responded, "No, it's yours," according to the museum. Truman designated May 8 as VE Day and the western allies followed suit, according to the museum. However, the Soviet Union recognizes its Victory Day on May 9 after having a second set of surrender documents signed by German Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel on May 8, 1945. Fighting in the Pacific theater continued for weeks, until the Japanese government surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945. See what it looked like as the surrender took place and the celebrations commenced on Victory in Europe Day, 1945. Europe celebrates end of fighting, first VE Day
