
West Alabama Thursday Briefing
Good morning, it is Thursday, June 6, 2024. 80 years ago today, 160,000 men from the Allied Nations stormed the beaches of Normandy, France to bring about the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany's brutal occupation of Europe. It was D-Day!
5,000 U-S military personnel died that day, giving their last full measure of life to bring life back to a continent darkened by the tyrannically anti-sematic, anti-freedom rule of Adolph Hitler.
In air, on ground and on the sea; these allied nations had prepared for many months knowing the future of civilization depended on the outcome of the largest amphibious invasion in history.
This massive force of more than 5,000 ships and 40,000 aircraft of all types appeared out of the mist early on the morning of 6 June 1944. By the time the "Longest Day" had ended a small beachhead had been captured, a beginning point for Allied Troops. From there they began the march across Europe, invaded Germany and long with the Soviets from the east; put an end to a dictatorship that had slaughtered millions.
The significance of D-Day is found in the Order of the Day issued by General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Huntsville's Artur Hullet is one of three surviving Alabamians that made the trip back to Normandy for today's commemoration. He told reporters his wish is for Americans learn from D-Day, "D-Day taught us that freedom can win when we are united."
On this day I well remember standing on the cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of the invasion beaches, marveling at the bravery these men possessed as the landing craft's ramp dropped and they waded inland against withering enemy fire.
To understand the price that was paid for every square inch of that beach all I had to do was turn around and gaze at row-upon-row of headstones marking the final resting place for the thousands that did not survive.
Let us as a nation on this day, renew ourselves; pledge to end the division, anger and hatred. We owe it to the "Boys of Point du Hoc, the paratroopers, infantrymen, artillery and tanker crews, and the sailors and airmen who fought to keep us free.
There are still approximately 130,000 D-Day veterans alive. They are passing at the rate of 130 per day. May we honor them and those who have gone before by not losing what they fought to preserve.
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The Forecast:

Topping the News:
A $7 million grant will help improve water service in Fayette, Lamar and Northern Tuscaloosa counties.
Th City of Tuscaloosa is casting doubt on the Alabama Department of Transportation's plans to replace the Woolsey Finnel Bridge that takes McFarland Blvd. across the Black warrior River.
We now know a little more about what led to a pedestrian being struck and killed on the I-359 connector southbound, just before Cousette Street. TPD reports a woman was struck by a truck that was attempting to avoid colliding with a vehicle trying not to hit her.
A Federal Court release says a Tuscaloosa native, 21-year-old Tristan Seth Broadrick has been arrested for his participation in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.
- Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority.
- Disorderly or Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds.
- Disorderly or Disruptive Conduct in the Capitol Grounds or Building
- Parade, demonstrate, or picket in any of the Capitol Buildings.
On Broaderick's social media sites, he identifies himself as having attending Holt and West Blocton High Schools.
Broaderick was identified via Capitol Building security cameras and cellphone location tracking.
Topping Sports News:
Inflation, Name-Image0and Likeness funding and other issues have put a new basketball arena on hold since it was first announced in 2022. But the University of Alabama Board of Trustees are scheduled to discuss the proposal at its next meeting.
The success of Coach Nate Oats program has placed a new facility is the spotlight, especially since Auburn has a new one.
One criticism of the announced plans is its size, it would be smaller than the 15,000 seat Coleman Coliseum which opened in the late1960s. Winning has returned sellout crowds to Coleman and reducing its size would create problems for other events such as graduation exercises.
Read More: Alabama BOT Set to Meet About Basketball Facilities
The expanded College Football Playoffs are still months away, but the dates, times and television details are just out. Click HERE for the details.
Have a blessed and happy day!!
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