Eighty years ago, D-Day - June 6, 1944, was the most significant military operation in the history of the United States of America.
It began the invasion of the European continent by the Allies to repel the threat of authoritarianism expressed in the Nazi philosophy of Germany and the Fascist philosophy of Italy. It set the tone for the post-war world, much of which continues today.
The outcome was uncertain. Perilous tides and winds, well-positioned nests of German machine guns, and an overall challenge coordinating the logistics created extensive risk of failure.
Commanding Allied General Dwight Eisenhower knew this. Many years later was revealed a statement he had prepared for distribution in the event the mission failed, accepting responsibility for failure.
"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops," Eisenhower wrote. "My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone." (Below is a link to a more complete account of this message never given).
Obviously, this statement was never issued and was discovered years later among Eisenhower's papers. Instead, the more famous quote is found in Ike's "Order of the Day" for June 6, 1944, stating "The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!"
Eisenhower had acted out on the old adage, "hope for the best but prepare for the worst. He was ready - whether victory or defeat was to be the result of the invasion.
There are strong parallels to your late-life planning needs, except you may "PLAN for the best." Whether with a Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plan, Long Term Care Insurance, an Estate Plan, today we have an opportunity to determine our end-of-life directives. You have the opportunity to plan your late-life directives and ensure that all is handled according to your wishes.
Be like Ike. Plan. Succeed. Get your affairs in order, minimizing burdens on your survivors.
Call me; I can help.
https://www.npr.org/2013/06/08/189535104/the-speech-eisenhower-never-gave-on-the-normandy-invasion