June 6th – Honoring the Sacrifice That Changed the World
Posted by Scott Lien, CEO & Co-Founder of GrandPad
June 6, 2025 – D-Day Anniversary
Today is June 6th, a date etched into history and humanity. On this day, 81 years ago, more than 150,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most daring and consequential military operations the world has ever seen: D-Day.
They came by land, sea, and air—young men from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations—facing heavily fortified Nazi defenses, bad weather, crashing surf, and an uncertain fate. Many never made it off the beaches. But their courage paved the way for the liberation of France and ultimately the victory of freedom over tyranny in Europe.
“The Eyes of the World Are Upon You”
Before the landings, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, delivered this message to the troops:
“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”
Those words still echo today—spoken with conviction, but also humility. The men who heard them were ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Many of them would never return home. And those who did carried the scars—seen and unseen—for the rest of their lives.
https://bestdefensefoundation.org/veteran/cpl-harold-terens/
A Day of Reflection and Reverence
Today, I’m standing in Normandy for the first time in my life, shoulder to shoulder with some of the last living veterans of World War II. It’s hard to describe the feeling. The beaches are quiet now, but the weight of what happened here is very real.
I’ve listened to stories from men who landed at Utah and Omaha Beach, who fought through hedgerows and villages, and who lost friends within minutes of arriving. And yet, these men remain humble. Grateful. Full of purpose.
Being here today is not just humbling—it’s transformative. It has reminded me that freedom is never free, and that history must be preserved not just in books, but in hearts.
Carrying Their Stories Forward
At GrandPad, we believe that connection is everything—especially for our oldest generation. That’s why it’s been so inspiring to see so many veterans on this trip using their GrandPads to talk with their families, send photos, and share memories.
These stories need to be heard—not just by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but by all of us. Because they remind us who we are. They remind us what was fought for. And they challenge us to be worthy of the sacrifice.
This journey has ignited something in me: a deeper commitment to help our veterans tell their stories, stay connected, and feel the appreciation they so deeply deserve.
Meet the Heroes With Us in Normandy
If you'd like to learn more about the incredible men and women I’m traveling with—see their stories, faces, and service history—visit this link from our partners at the Best Defense Foundation:
👉 https://bestdefensefoundation.org/battlefield-return/normandy-2025/
These are the heroes. These are the living legends. And this is why we’re here.
📬 Join me in honoring these heroes. Follow this journey and share it with others:
https://www.grandpad.net/normandy-updates
To those who gave their lives on this day in 1944, we remember you. We honor you. We are forever in your debt.
And to the veterans I’m privileged to be with today—thank you for showing us the true meaning of courage, humility, and freedom.
With solemn gratitude,
Scott Lien
CEO & Co-Founder
GrandPad
