World remembers #DDay landings on Twitter with WWII images (PHOTOS)
Some 73 years on from the D-Day landings of World War II, those who fought to overcome German Nazi oppression on the beaches of Normandy are being honored with images depicting their extraordinary bravery.
Codenamed Operation Neptune, the landings on June 6, 1944, is still the largest seaborne invasion in history, and involved 160,000 Allied troops and 5,000 ships battling heavy German fortifications along the coast of France.
It’s estimated that more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed in the massive invasion which was launched to push back occupying Nazi forces that had swept over mainland Europe.
In a modern twist on the historic event, those who sacrificed their lives for freedom during World War II are being eulogized on Twitter through incredible images of the landings.
On June 6, 1944, James Earl Rudder '32 successfully led his men up the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc as part the #DDay invasion of Normandy. #tamupic.twitter.com/qoLAOoRfXz
— Texas A&M University (@TAMU) June 6, 2017
Today marks the 73rd anniversary of D-Day. Troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach on the 6 June 1944 #DDay73#DDay Photo: IWM pic.twitter.com/d0swdC4TfH
— British Army (@BritishArmy) June 6, 2017
The pictures reveal the extraordinary size of the invasion, as well as the stark scenes which met those who fought on the French beaches or parachuted behind enemy lines in 1944.
#OTD in 1944, Allied forces land troops on Normandy beaches, the largest amphibious landing in history - Operation Overlord (D-Day). #DDaypic.twitter.com/orYNgY5tyJ
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) June 6, 2017
This film collection contains all of our best coverage of the #DDay landings, their preparation, and the aftermath: https://t.co/OQHxT9x1K6pic.twitter.com/8wEJML2DfR
— British Pathé (@BritishPathe) June 6, 2017
Today in 1944: American troops land at Omaha Beach on D-day. 📷 by magazine correspondent Robert Capa. The story: https://t.co/Lfgdaoqtwxpic.twitter.com/BzNmg0LWVO
— amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) June 6, 2017
#OTD: See you in #Berlin! Paratroopers prepare to depart for the initial #DDay assault. #DDay73pic.twitter.com/SyAzvuSVQ4
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 6, 2017
Panoramic view of Omaha Beach after D-Day landings, mid-June 1944: #NARApic.twitter.com/oFNVKEFLWO
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) June 6, 2017
Grainy black and white photos from the landings include images of soldiers preparing to jump from Higgins boat landing craft. Footage from National Geographic show the invasion in full color.
Today, we remember the Normandy Landings and the sacrifices made to end #WW2.#DDaypic.twitter.com/N47ZUDYFOT
— Nat Geo UK (@NatGeoUK) June 6, 2017
Stunning colorisations of #DDay iconic photos by @marinamaral2 bring it all vividly to life. pic.twitter.com/Mf7lcCA3XB
— Jonny Geller (@JonnyGeller) June 6, 2017
Remembering all those who fought on #DDay 73 years ago today. We honor what was accomplished and those we lost. pic.twitter.com/7dUCVMNBOI
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) June 6, 2017
Many tomorrow's were given up for our today 73 years ago on the Normandy coast. We will never forget. We are forever in your debt. #DDaypic.twitter.com/laza5SM6ia
— Norm Kelly (@norm) June 6, 2017
All the Allied Forces who stormed the beaches that day -- #DDay -- 73 years ago, knew it could be the last thing they would ever do. pic.twitter.com/PR1mOlqU2m
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 6, 2017
US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among the high profile figures to use the trending #DDay to pay tribute.
Today we remember the courage and bravery of our troops that stormed the beaches of Normandy 73 years ago. #DDay#Heroespic.twitter.com/PtGQj3J2cS
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2017
June 6, 1944. We will always remember and honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Canadians who fought to liberate Europe. #DDaypic.twitter.com/F1qDRQWzEh
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 6, 2017