We Remember
On this date, June 6, we remember and honor the bravery of all who fought and served at Normandy 80 years ago on this date forever to be known as D-Day. This day is of special importance for our auction family, as Robert J. Briggs, grandfather of Stephen Turner, our fourth-generation owner, also fought in that battle. He survived and went on to found the legacy of Briggs Auction with his childhood sweetheart and then wife, Gail.
Gail & Bob Briggs, during WW II
He didn't talk much about his time in the service, but it was important to him, and I know this day would mean much to him. We must never forget all who answered the call to fight for freedom and justice. We each must do our part to honor those who did. We must work to ensure that the freedoms we take for granted are not lost.
We thank you Bobby for your service.
Robert J. Briggs, 1925 - 2011
If you don't have a feel for the scope of the operation launched this date in 1944, here are some facts from the National Archives and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library. They are both awesome and sobering.
"The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies, landed on D-Day. Casualties from these countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. Fighting by the brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the allied forces western front, and Russian forces on the eastern front, led to the defeat of German Nazi forces. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France."
