Last updated at Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:48:06 GMT

Happy Friday, Federal friends! As we all know today marks the 70th anniversary that our forbearers forever changed the course of history, my grandfather among them. By securing a foothold on the beaches of Normandy, the Allied Expeditionary Force was able to penetrate the steel teeth that was Fortress Europe. While times have changed, Gen. Eisenhower's words still ring loudly today. Not just in terms of the sacrifices made that day, but also in the trenches that we find ourselves in today.

Take this line from the below letter to the troops: "Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely."

While the Supreme Allied Commander never could have imagined the threat landscape in the 21st century being both kinetic as well as cyber, his words from that fateful day in 1944, hit home with the cyberwarriors of today.

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Order of the Day

June 6, 1944