The war in Europe had gone on for five long years. Just as the English Channel had protected Britain from Nazi invasion, now the Channel protected occupied Europe from liberation.

On June 6, 1944, which became the historic D-Day, that protection would be breached, and the massive Allied force would begin the ten-month process of ending the Third Reich.

On Tuesday, November 12 — the day after Veteran’s Day — Newtown Historical Society, in conjunction with C.H. Booth Library, will examine “The Allied Invasion of Normandy.” The free program by John Cilio will begin at 7.30 pm, in the meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street.

The mammoth undertaking was to become one of the most pivotal events of the 20th Century. Its complexity, ingenuity and decisive effect on the war make it unique.

Seventy-five years ago the bad weather plaguing the Allied commanders and planners broke, and an early June dawn broke over the greatest seaborne invasion ever launched.

The invasion actually began on June 5, when nighttime paratroopers converged on the French countryside. They were followed by squadrons of gliders, nearly 7,000 ships, and 160,000 Allied ground troops, supported by nearly 300,000 naval personnel. The event followed years of near secret planning and stockpiling men and equipment for the most complex military exploit ever mounted.

The odds were against it all coming together, and Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower had prepared his resignation speech in case of failure. The heroic endeavor won the beach-head, however, and masses of troops and material fueled its steady expansion.

John Cilio lives in Sherman, and has been a historian and storyteller for 20 years, authoring six books and over 200 articles on a broad range of topics. He believes that the consequences of a historical event are often hidden from those who experience it, and only by looking back can one sense the full impact of the moment in time.

His goal is to make history relevant, engaging and enlightening. He has prepared a 30 minute ed-ucational and entertaining video he will begin sharing at 7 pm for those who wish to arrive early.

Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public. Please note the Tuesday date to accommodate the Veteran’s Day holiday.

Refreshments will be served following the program.

For further information visit newtownhistory.org or call 203-426-5937.