On June 7, 1942, the Battle of Midway—one of the most decisive
U.S. victories in its war against Japan—came to an end. In the
four-day sea and air battle, the outnumbered U.S. Pacific Fleet
succeeded in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers with the
loss of only one of its own, the Yorktown, thus reversing the tide
against the previously invincible Japanese navy.

On June 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight
D. Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for the largest amphibious
military operation in history: Operation Overlord, the Allied
invasion of northern France, commonly known as D-Day.

By daybreak, 18,000 British and American parachutists were
already on the ground. An additional 13,000 aircraft were
mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion. 

At 6:30 a.m., American troops came ashore at Utah and Omaha
beaches. 

Gen. Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower
(October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969)

A plane flies over the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-
Mer, Normandy.

On June 4, 1942, the Battle of Midway—one of the most decisive
U.S. victories against Japan during World War II—began. During
the four-day sea-and-air battle, the outnumbered U.S. Pacific
Fleet succeeded in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers
while losing only one of its own, the Yorktown, to the previously invincible Japanese navy.

On this day in history, May 30, 1868, the first Decoration Day —
a precursor to Memorial Day — was celebrated.

Originally known as Decoration Day, from early traditions of
decorating graves with flags, flowers and wreaths, Memorial
Day is a day for remembrance to honor those who have died
in service to our country.