Eight decades have passed since the Allied forces made their way to the beaches of Normandy. Montgomery, Alabama reports this significant milestone.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library states that D-Day stands as the most significant amphibious invasion in military history. In this momentous occasion, Alabama played a crucial role in defending America.
Ryan Blocker, the museum collections coordinator at the Alabama Department of Archives, highlights the remarkable aspect of what Alabama provides. He states, “It’s not only their soldiers but also their industry itself.”
According to her, the commencement of the end of World War II was marked by D-Day. The military operation utilized various resources, including the floating smoke pot manufactured in Alabama. As Blocker clarifies, this equipment served to restrict the enemy’s visibility, aiding the mission’s success.
Blocker stated that the majority of the one million floating pots that were created during the D-Day invasion to produce a smoke screen were made in Alabama.
During 2010-11, Zell Railey was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and served in Afghanistan. Interestingly, Railey’s division played a crucial role in securing bridges and canals on D-Day, showcasing the incredible history and legacy of this brave and dedicated group of soldiers.
According to Railey, the hundred and first division made a daring entry into the territory situated at the back of Utah Beach, which is located behind the Cotentin Peninsula. The area is characterized by a low altitude and a high water table, and it was a common practice of the Germans to flood the fields to create obstacles for the advancing forces.
Expressing his pride, he conveyed that being a part of such an esteemed unit was a great honor for him.
According to Railey, a popular military adage is, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” He goes on to explain that despite all the planning and preparation, the plan is likely to change once it’s put into action. However, he stresses the importance of planning and preparing as thoroughly as possible, so that the mission can be executed to the best of one’s ability.
Col. Dewana Butler of the Alabama National Guard expressed that the courage of the valiant soldiers on D-Day is what rings the bell of freedom.
According to Railey, while Americans have specific days like June 6, 1944, to commemorate, it’s vital to keep in mind our veterans every day.
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