U.S. TROOPS LAND AT NORMANDY

Perhaps at no other time is the
American flag recognized as an
inspiring symbol of freedom
than in war.

Since the Revolution, Old Glory has
proudly flown in battle, instilling
courage and pride in the hearts
of American troops who have
risked their lives for their country.

One of the most horrific battles ever
faced by U.S. armed forces happened
during World War II when Allied
forces invaded Normandy.

On June 6,1944-D-Day-some 5,000
ships carrying over 150,000 Allied
troops steamed across the
blustery English Channel toward the
forbidding beaches of Normandy.

Invasion forces included the
British-Canadian sector on Gold,
Juno and Sword beaches,
and the American sector on Utah
and Omaha beaches.

By dawn, U.S. infantrymen were wading
through chest-high water and clouds
of artillery smoke.

On Utah Beach, American troops
were accompanied by 33-ton Sherman
tanks that were floated ashore in
inflatable canvas covers.

To the relief of the Allies, there was
very little German opposition.

But on Omaha Beach, the U.S. V Corps
came up against the battle-hardened
German 352nd Infantry Division.

Most of the American tanks and artillery
never made it to the beach, sinking
in the choppy water.

Using only light weapons, infantrymen
were required to carry out a frontal
assault on heavily fortified
German positions.

By the end of the day,
despite the high number of casualties,
the Americans held a precarious
beachhead six miles long and less
than two miles deep a hold
they would not relinquish.

To honor the brave men who gave
their lives on that fateful day,
Old Glory proudly waves across
America every year on
June 6 in their memory.

Happy Stamping.