70th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion
(This message was originally published on June 6, 2014) Today marks the 70th Anniversary of the Allies D-Day invasion.
In marking the occasion, The United States Military Academy (West Point) states:
On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which, "we will accept nothing less than full victory." More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day's end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe. The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolph Hitler's crack troops.
The National D-Day Memorial is located in Bedford, Virginia. Proportionally, the Bedford community lost more soldiers that day than any other American community. Bedford represents so many other communities. Places where families sent off their loved ones to defeat tyranny and to restore freedom.
In the spiritual realm, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Paul tells us to "fight the good fight." Joshua tells us to "be strong and courageous."
The United States was a part of forging the greatest Allied force in history. My hope is Christians will unite with a local church, with fellow believers, as allies in the good fight. My hope is that local churches will be allies in the Great Commission, seeking to make disciples and plant churches to bring the good news of Jesus to the nations.
I give thanks for your partnership in the gospel with SBC of Virginia churches and our allied effort to set the captives free through the allied efforts of Southern Baptist missions and ministries.
This week, our Empowered Email featured the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Check it out at: