250 to 250: 20. D-Day: In Case of Failure, Narrated by Todd Arrington

 

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: D-Day: In Case of Failure, Narrated by Todd Arrington 

 

Dr. Todd Arrington is a historian, writer, and veteran. He serves as Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation and is the former Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. Arrington tells the story of the message Dwight D. Eisenhower drafted before D-Day, accepting sole blame should the invasion fail.

During World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower planned the D-Day invasion.

• D-Day took place on June 6, 1944.
• It was the largest amphibious invasion in history.
• Allied soldiers landed in Normandy, France.
• Eisenhower hoped the mission would succeed.

Before the invasion, he wrote a message in case the mission failed.

• In the message, he accepted full responsibility for the decision.
• He praised the courage of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
• The invasion was successful, so the message was never used.

D-Day helped the Allies defeat Nazi Germany.

• Eisenhower showed strong leadership during the operation.
• He was willing to take risks and accept responsibility for his decisions.
• Today, D-Day is remembered as an important event in World War II history.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:35. If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms (carry weapons) on behalf of the United States?
• USCIS 100:53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
• USCIS 128:70. What is one way Americans can serve their country?

Family Fun:

• National D-Day Memorial: Education
• USCIS: A More Perfect Union series: The Civics Test Guide to the WWI Memorial
• USCIS: A More Perfect Union series: The Civics Test Guide to Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial