“The history of free men is never written by chance but by choice - their choice.”

“Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses -because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened.”

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid.”

“Neither a wise nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.”

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we havestriven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms onother Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German warmachine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples ofEurope, and security for ourselves in a free world.Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, wellequipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats,in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced theirstrength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our HomeFronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitionsof 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 toVictory!I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill inbattle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this greatand noble undertaking.”

“Pessimism never won any battle.”

“Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”