This is the message that General Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered to the Allied troops on June 5, the day prior to the invasion of Normandy. The Supreme Commander knew first hand the level of preparation undertaken, and was confident in the abilities of the men under his command.

But if things on the morrow weren't to go as planned? Eisenhower may have been confident, but not presumptuous. He had drafted this letter in the back seat of a car later that evening:

'Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops.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
- July 5'