OCALA, FL (352today.com) – On this day 81 years ago, the beaches at Normandy were invaded by troops from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, among others.

The invasion occurred as part of a designated plan known as “Operation Overlord,” aiming to take back France from the reign of Nazi Germany.

Now gloriously referenced as the D-Day invasion, the attack on the northern side of France was known at the time to be the largest naval, air, and land operation in history.

Altogether, some 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles, and over 100,000 tons of equipment landed on the beaches.

Of the 156,000 Allied soldiers, over 4,000 of them were killed by the German defense.

However, their loss wasn’t in vain; by August, all of northern France was considered liberated, and the Allies went on to overcome the German forces in the spring of 1945.

The D-Day invasion laid the groundwork for the end of World War II, and local and state departments have surely taken note, 81 years since that fateful day.

“Today, we pause to remember one of the most pivotal moments in world history,” the City of Belleview wrote on Facebook. “This courageous effort marked the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation in Europe and helped secure the freedoms we cherish today.”

“More than 150,000 troops risked everything in the name of freedom, many making the ultimate sacrifice. Their bravery changed the course of history and will never be forgotten,” wrote MCFR. “From all of us at Marion County Fire Rescue, we remember and give thanks to the heroes of that day and to all who have served in defense of liberty.”

“Today, we honor the brave Allied forces who launched the largest amphibious invasion in history on the beaches of Normandy, France. The cost was high, but their sacrifice changed the course of history and helped secure the freedoms we cherish today.”

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