On June 6, 1944, when the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, it marked a critical turning point in World War II. Overwhelmed by the invasion, Nazi forces retreated back to the Seine River. The Allies accepted their official surrender less than a year later.
The pivotal invasion was dubbed “Operation Overlord,” but many people refer to this consequential battle as “D-Day” or the “Battle of Normandy.” Today, D-Day is remembered and observed in many of the ally nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom and France.
D-Day is observed not only because it kicked-started the liberation of Western Europe from years of Nazi control, but because on that day, more than 4,400 allied troops lost their lives. Of those, it’s estimated that 2,501 were American soldiers and 1,913 were soldiers from other allied nations.
On June 6, 2022, we observe the 78th anniversary of D-Day. Today makes for a great day to honor the lives and families of the soldiers who lost their lives that day and to pay respects to all of the U.S. veterans who have served and protected the United States at home and abroad.
Honoring U.S. Veterans This D-Day
With both Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day just passed, D-Day offers Americans yet another opportunity to appreciate the sacrifices made by those in the military. While D-Day has proven to be one of the most pivotal military operations of the 20th century, American troops have since fought hundreds of battles since World War II.
When soldiers become veterans, they often carry battle wounds — both physical and mental — with them as they return to civilian life. Sadly, thousands of veterans continue to fight battles long after their combat days are over.
It’s during this transition period when American civilians can offer their heartfelt support for veterans. According to the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS), veterans suffer from a number of different ailments, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain and diseases caused by exposure to hazardous substances.
Some ailments, like the deadly cancer known as mesothelioma, disproportionately impact U.S. veterans. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Throughout much of the 20th century, including during WWII, the U.S. military used asbestos products to help build ships, bases and vehicles. As a result, tens of thousands of soldiers were exposed to asbestos.
Today, around 30% of all new mesothelioma diagnoses belong to military veterans, particularly those who worked on or near naval shipyards.
Serving U.S. Veterans Today and All Through the Year
On the 78th anniversary of D-Day, it’s important to take time to reflect on how the brave men and women in the military have put their lives on the line to serve and protect all Americans.
All days of the year, Simmons Hanly Conroy believes in supporting veterans and their loved ones, as well as the families of fallen soldiers. Our mesothelioma law firm has spent more than two decades offering assistance to veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. We serve as a pivotal resource to help them get the legal help they may need.
Our firm was founded with veterans in mind. In fact, Simmons Hanly Conroy Chairman John Simmons is a U.S. military veteran, as are many of the mesothelioma lawyers on staff. We are familiar with the asbestos regulations specific to military exposures, and we use our experience to fight for their rights every single day.
If you or a loved one are a veteran battling mesothelioma, we may be able to help. Please call (800) 326-8900 or contact us today for a free, no-obligation legal case review.
