Today is the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy. The man who gave the command and set the date was General Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme commander of Allied forces in Western Europe. The responsibility for the mission fell on his shoulders, and he was prepared for whatever the outcome would be.

As a true leader, he was ready to take responsibility if the invasion failed. A copy of the letter he wrote in case the invasion failed reminds us that he truly was a man of character.

This is the letter:

“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”

True leaders take responsibility for their actions.

Remember the price for our freedom that Allied forces paid on that day.