78th Anniversary of D-Day
Today, June 6, 2022, marks 78 years since D-Day, the event that left a dark stain on the shores of Normandy, Germany. Just days after the tragedy, The Salvation Army provided comfort and guidance to US troops as they fought their way into Nazi Germany.
During the First World War, The Salvation Army provided relief to US troops in the trenches by providing clothing, food, and as many as 9,000 donuts a day!
Because of this, the iconic red shield became an image of help and hope. The symbol appeared on mobile canteens, which were created for the next war relief. These mobile canteens, which held bunks, a small kitchen, and a lounge area, were deployed to Normandy to provide hope.
The Salvation Army traveled with the US troops and their allies deeper into Nazi Germany. The soldiers began to rely on the distribution of coffee, donuts, chewing gum, soap, toothpaste, and sewing kits, as well as the volunteers that inhabited the canteens. These volunteers were beacons of love and light in a dark time of hate.
On May 8, 1945, Hitler surrendered, marking the end of World War II. The Salvation Army volunteers remained in Germany, providing relief to all involved in the war throughout the next year. Today, The Salvation Army continues to provide comfort, support, and counseling to our troops, both active duty and veterans.