The Last Group Standing

The Last Group Standing

Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

This speech was delivered by General Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 6, 1944, to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force who were about to embark on the D-Day invasion during World War II. The importance of their mission was emphasized by Eisenhower, which was to bring about the destruction of the German war machine, eliminate Nazi tyranny, and secure freedom for the oppressed peoples of Europe.

The Last Group Standing
From the decks of the ship they did hear the call,
The final briefing that would lead them to a brawl.
The last group standing were they, with a mission true,
To fight for their country with flag striped in red, white, and blue.
Despite the torrent of the gunfire and dropping shells,
They landed on Normandy and Iwo Jima, witnessed the hells.
Their hearts were pounding, their spirits were quivering,
They were there to turn the course of war as a last group standing.

They ascended the rocky hill, step by step,
With courage in their hearts, and no regret.
The enemy awaited them, with weapons drawn.
But the last group standing, they would not be pawned.
With every breath, they fought with fervour and zeal.
Their bravery became a force that enemy couldn’t steal.
They pushed forward, with every ounce of hidden might.
Flag of freedom sailed in their vision, and victory danced in sight.

Through the smoke and the fire, they pressed on.
Defying the odds, until the hardest battle was won.
For they were the brave, the fearless, the bold.
The last group standing, with their stories untold.
Their sacrifice became a debt we can never repay.
But we honor their memory, each hours and every day.
For they fought and died, thus world became alive,
The last group standing, their tale shall forever thrive.

Battle of Normandy:
The Battle of Normandy, also known as D-Day, took place on June 6, 1944, during World War II. Allied forces, consisting of American, British, and Canadian troops, launched a military operation to invade German-occupied Western Europe. The battle marked a significant turning point in the war, as it successfully established a foothold in Normandy and paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

Battle of Iwo Jima:
The Battle of Iwo Jima was fought from February 19 to March 26, 1945, during World War II. It was a major battle between the United States and Japan for the possession of Iwo Jima, a strategically located island in the Pacific Ocean. The battle was particularly challenging and fiercely fought due to the Japanese defenders' fortified positions and the rugged terrain. Despite the difficulties, the American forces were able to secure victory, but the battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

“Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause – honor to him, only less than to him, who braves, for the common good, the storms of heaven and the storms of battle.” -Abraham Lincoln

“As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.” -Ronald Reagan