For Immediate Release
June 6, 2011

AFA Remembers D-Day, June 6, 1944

Arlington, VA – On this day, 67 years ago, 160,000 Allied forces stormed the beaches of Nazi-controlled Normandy, France. Facing severe hostile fire, the heroic troops were supported by 7,000 ships and water craft, while Allied pilots flew 15,000 air sorties on D-Day.

The Air Force Association (AFA) remembers and salutes the heroism and valor of the American and Allied forces that fought for freedom on this day resulting in largest amphibious invasion in world history. We did not accept anything less than victory.

Over the next year following D-Day, 3 million Allied troops would serve in the final clash with Nazi Germany, and the Allied air forces would lose more than 4,100 aircraft in a matter of weeks in Europe. Scholars estimate 22 million people lost their lives worldwide during World War II. More than 292,000 Americans died in all theaters of the war, part of over a million total U.S. casualties.

Today, we honor the anniversary of an extraordinary occasion of bravery and we salute the many troops who embarked on this monumental military undertaking.

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The AFA is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has over 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 120,000 members. Visit AFA www.AFA.org.

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