June 23, 2022
2022-06-23T17:30:00
The Longest Day: The D-Day Landing at Normandy
Thursday, June 23, 2022
In June 1944, American troops prepared to execute the largest amphibious operation in the history of the world. Thousands of ships transporting nearly a quarter of a million soldiers in the first few days. Many thousands of aircraft flying in support of the landings; bombers and fighters each had their orders to destroy bridges, railways, and communications. Planning the entire operation had taken more than a year; from the smallest belt buckle to the enormous concrete caissons known as “Mulberries” to be connected into an artificial harbor. The weather was the worst it could be, with little relief in the forecast. Supreme Allied commander, General Dwight Eisenhower alone would make the decision about “The Longest Day”.
Join historian, Michael Eckers, for a presentation on the planning, execution and aftermath of D-Day.
This presentation is open to the public and is free to attend. This program is sponsored by the Newton Public Library Foundation.