The Bataan Death March
The Bataan Death March took place on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. When Japan invaded Bataan, Filipino and American soldiers fought back. However, when all hope was lost, General Edward King Jr. surrendered to Japan. Soldiers from both the Philippines and the U.S. walked the sixty-five mile walk to a prison camp, while being badly treated by the Japanese guards. They were marching to San Fernando, and the trip took five days to complete. Thousands of soldiers died during the trek, earning it the name "Bataan Death March."
At the camp, most soldiers refused to surrender. Some of those who did not were given “tickets” (see above) containing information on how to be freed. The soldiers who received tickets were soon executed for not surrendering earlier. Two years later, Douglas MacArthur marched his troops into Bataan, and recaptured it. He also captured Manila, the Philippines' capital. Those still alive were freed. After the war, the U.S captured and tried the Japanese general who was responsible for the Bataan Death March. He was executed by a firing squad.
The Bataan Death March took place on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. When Japan invaded Bataan, Filipino and American soldiers fought back. However, when all hope was lost, General Edward King Jr. surrendered to Japan. Soldiers from both the Philippines and the U.S. walked the sixty-five mile walk to a prison camp, while being badly treated by the Japanese guards. They were marching to San Fernando, and the trip took five days to complete. Thousands of soldiers died during the trek, earning it the name "Bataan Death March."
At the camp, most soldiers refused to surrender. Some of those who did not were given “tickets” (see above) containing information on how to be freed. The soldiers who received tickets were soon executed for not surrendering earlier. Two years later, Douglas MacArthur marched his troops into Bataan, and recaptured it. He also captured Manila, the Philippines' capital. Those still alive were freed. After the war, the U.S captured and tried the Japanese general who was responsible for the Bataan Death March. He was executed by a firing squad.
The Battle of Britian
The Battle of Britain was the first major air battle of World War II. After the fall of the French, Germany and Hitler had dominated most of Europe. Britain, however, was in the way of Hitler’s plan of European domination. Germans wanted to invade Britain, so Hitler decided to attack by air. The operation was to be called “Sea Lion.” The German air force Luftwaffe wanted to win control over the English Channel in order that a safe army invasion could be secured, but first the RAF (the Royal Air Force) had to be overcome. Germany’s commander-in-chief, Herman Goering wanted to defeat the RAF in a four day attack, but in the deadly attacks that followed, the Luftwaffe lost about 600 planes. This infuriated Goering, so he targeted British airfields. This resulted in heavy losses on both men and planes for British.
Just as the Luftwaffe thought they were winning, the RAF bombed Berlin. Hitler immediately ordered the air force to bomb London in return. German bombers and fighters attacked the British capital, killing about five hundred people. Luckily the RAF had time to repair their planes and get ready to retaliate. London and other cities were bombed on a daily basis during the night time, but the British Spitfire fighter planes were effective against the Germans. The Germans were up against several disadvantages. Their planes could only fly for short periods of time before running out of fuel, and the British had radar that helped them know in advance where they would get hit. At last, the losses in the Battle of Britain were 1,700 German planes and 900 British planes. The RAF lost over 1,500 pilots.
The Battle of Britain was the first major air battle of World War II. After the fall of the French, Germany and Hitler had dominated most of Europe. Britain, however, was in the way of Hitler’s plan of European domination. Germans wanted to invade Britain, so Hitler decided to attack by air. The operation was to be called “Sea Lion.” The German air force Luftwaffe wanted to win control over the English Channel in order that a safe army invasion could be secured, but first the RAF (the Royal Air Force) had to be overcome. Germany’s commander-in-chief, Herman Goering wanted to defeat the RAF in a four day attack, but in the deadly attacks that followed, the Luftwaffe lost about 600 planes. This infuriated Goering, so he targeted British airfields. This resulted in heavy losses on both men and planes for British.
Just as the Luftwaffe thought they were winning, the RAF bombed Berlin. Hitler immediately ordered the air force to bomb London in return. German bombers and fighters attacked the British capital, killing about five hundred people. Luckily the RAF had time to repair their planes and get ready to retaliate. London and other cities were bombed on a daily basis during the night time, but the British Spitfire fighter planes were effective against the Germans. The Germans were up against several disadvantages. Their planes could only fly for short periods of time before running out of fuel, and the British had radar that helped them know in advance where they would get hit. At last, the losses in the Battle of Britain were 1,700 German planes and 900 British planes. The RAF lost over 1,500 pilots.
The Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge lasted from December 1944 to January 1945. It was an unsuccessful attempt to defeat the Allies. The “bulge” comes from the wedge that the Germans drove into the Allied lines. Hitler made the first move; he sent German troops to northwestern Europe to split the Allies up. On December 16, 1944, German forces attacked the Allies in a hilly and wooded area known as Ardennes. After a full 24 hours of hard fighting, the Germans broke through the American front.
As fighting continued, heavy snowstorms hit the battleground, and everything broke down, including commands, supplies, and communications. All soldiers, both Allies and Axis, were literally freezing to death. But as weather slowly improved over time, the Allies regained their ground and air force planes came to help fight and drop supplies. Eventually, the German forces started to run out of ammunition, fuel, and manpower. By January 25, 1945, the Allies succeed in victory. The Battle of the Bulge is known as one of the biggest, bloodiest battles of WWII.
The Battle of the Bulge lasted from December 1944 to January 1945. It was an unsuccessful attempt to defeat the Allies. The “bulge” comes from the wedge that the Germans drove into the Allied lines. Hitler made the first move; he sent German troops to northwestern Europe to split the Allies up. On December 16, 1944, German forces attacked the Allies in a hilly and wooded area known as Ardennes. After a full 24 hours of hard fighting, the Germans broke through the American front.
As fighting continued, heavy snowstorms hit the battleground, and everything broke down, including commands, supplies, and communications. All soldiers, both Allies and Axis, were literally freezing to death. But as weather slowly improved over time, the Allies regained their ground and air force planes came to help fight and drop supplies. Eventually, the German forces started to run out of ammunition, fuel, and manpower. By January 25, 1945, the Allies succeed in victory. The Battle of the Bulge is known as one of the biggest, bloodiest battles of WWII.
The Battle of Coral Sea
During the Spring of 1942, Japan was reaching its wartime climax; they were almost unstoppable. Their strategic assaults on the Pacific had been so successful, that they developed a new plan to invade Australia through New Guinea. After having control of the Andaman Islands, Japan also wanted to seize the strategic naval base in Madagascar and thus dominate the entire Indian Ocean. The primary Japanese effort for delaying its outer ring centered in the Pacific was to cut the Americans’ supplies routes and increase their security against Allied attacks. The Battle of Coral Sea stopped for the first time the rising tides of Japan.
After the damage that the US suffered at Pearl Harbor, only two of the eighteen warships hit were totally destroyed, but in an enormous effort of six months, the ships were refloated and repaired. The Japanese ships communicated using secret code, but the Americans had broken this code and were able to find out that Japan was planning an ambush of New Guinea.
On May 4, 1942, and for the first time in history, neither fleet set eye on each other; all the fighting was done by planes from aircraft carriers. Two valuable Japanese aircraft carriers were destroyed; many other warships and about one hundred carrier planes were lost. On the other hand, the United States lost one aircraft carrier, two other ships, and sixty five planes. Although the battle was inconclusive, it seriously halted the Japanese advance.
During the Spring of 1942, Japan was reaching its wartime climax; they were almost unstoppable. Their strategic assaults on the Pacific had been so successful, that they developed a new plan to invade Australia through New Guinea. After having control of the Andaman Islands, Japan also wanted to seize the strategic naval base in Madagascar and thus dominate the entire Indian Ocean. The primary Japanese effort for delaying its outer ring centered in the Pacific was to cut the Americans’ supplies routes and increase their security against Allied attacks. The Battle of Coral Sea stopped for the first time the rising tides of Japan.
After the damage that the US suffered at Pearl Harbor, only two of the eighteen warships hit were totally destroyed, but in an enormous effort of six months, the ships were refloated and repaired. The Japanese ships communicated using secret code, but the Americans had broken this code and were able to find out that Japan was planning an ambush of New Guinea.
On May 4, 1942, and for the first time in history, neither fleet set eye on each other; all the fighting was done by planes from aircraft carriers. Two valuable Japanese aircraft carriers were destroyed; many other warships and about one hundred carrier planes were lost. On the other hand, the United States lost one aircraft carrier, two other ships, and sixty five planes. Although the battle was inconclusive, it seriously halted the Japanese advance.
D-Day
After World War II began, Germany invaded northwestern France beginning in May 1940. The Americans entered the war in December 1941, and by 1942 they and the British (who had been evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in May 1940 after being cut off by the Germans in the Battle of France) were considering the possibility of a major Allied invasion across the English Channel. The following year, Allied plans for a cross-Channel invasion began to increase. In November 1943, Adolf Hitler, who was aware of the threat of an invasion along France’s northern coast, put Erwin Rommel in charge of spearheading defense operations in the region, even though the Germans did not know exactly where the Allies would strike. Hitler charged Rommel with finishing the Atlantic Wall, a 2,400-mile line of bunkers, landmines and beach and water obstacles.
On June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads. U.S. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. However, by day's end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing. Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.
After World War II began, Germany invaded northwestern France beginning in May 1940. The Americans entered the war in December 1941, and by 1942 they and the British (who had been evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in May 1940 after being cut off by the Germans in the Battle of France) were considering the possibility of a major Allied invasion across the English Channel. The following year, Allied plans for a cross-Channel invasion began to increase. In November 1943, Adolf Hitler, who was aware of the threat of an invasion along France’s northern coast, put Erwin Rommel in charge of spearheading defense operations in the region, even though the Germans did not know exactly where the Allies would strike. Hitler charged Rommel with finishing the Atlantic Wall, a 2,400-mile line of bunkers, landmines and beach and water obstacles.
On June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads. U.S. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. However, by day's end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing. Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.
Free France Movement
In 1940, France and Great Britain were fighting a war of attrition, which was basically putting soldiers on the battlefield for the Germans to waste their ammunition on. In May, 1940, the Nazi forces went through the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Panic and hopelessness filled the French government. It retreated from Paris to Vichy. There, Marshal Henri Philippe Petain asked Germany for a treaty, and on June 22, he signed surrender terms. Petain declared the end of the Third Republic on July 11 and established a dictatorship.
After the Allies invaded North Africa on November 8, 1942, Germany broke the treaty and occupied all of France. Part of the French Army escaped to England, and Charles de Gaulle organized them into a force called the Free French, or Fighting French. Free French started harassing the occupying forces and aiding the Allied liberation troops after they landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. They continued helping the Allies, and on August 26, 1944, de Gaulle entered Paris in triumph.
In 1940, France and Great Britain were fighting a war of attrition, which was basically putting soldiers on the battlefield for the Germans to waste their ammunition on. In May, 1940, the Nazi forces went through the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Panic and hopelessness filled the French government. It retreated from Paris to Vichy. There, Marshal Henri Philippe Petain asked Germany for a treaty, and on June 22, he signed surrender terms. Petain declared the end of the Third Republic on July 11 and established a dictatorship.
After the Allies invaded North Africa on November 8, 1942, Germany broke the treaty and occupied all of France. Part of the French Army escaped to England, and Charles de Gaulle organized them into a force called the Free French, or Fighting French. Free French started harassing the occupying forces and aiding the Allied liberation troops after they landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. They continued helping the Allies, and on August 26, 1944, de Gaulle entered Paris in triumph.
Invasion of France
On May 10, 1940, after Germany had begun to conquer the European countries, its next goal was to conquer France. The Germans bombed air bases in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg and destroyed Allied planes on the ground. Elite German paratroopers fortified points along the war front and neutralized key elements. The Germans then sent soldiers into the Netherlands and northern Belgium and sent a larger force into the south through Luxembourg and the Ardennes Forest leading into the French heartland. Unaware of the attack in the south, the French and British leaders sent the bulk of their troops into the North which left them vulnerable. The Germans had gotten the British out of the way and then dealt with the French. Over time the French had lost almost half of their military and then were forced to sign the armistice with Germany.
Timeline of the German Invasion of France
May 10, 1940-Germany invades France, the Netherlands, and Belgium
May 13-French and British troops are trapped between German armies
May 14-The German air force bombs the Netherlands and they surrender
May 27-British troops evacuate from Dunkirk
June 3- The Germans begin air raids on Paris
June 12- Frances final lines of defense are penetrated by German Forces
June 22-France signs the armistice with Germany
June 23-Hitler visits Paris
On May 10, 1940, after Germany had begun to conquer the European countries, its next goal was to conquer France. The Germans bombed air bases in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg and destroyed Allied planes on the ground. Elite German paratroopers fortified points along the war front and neutralized key elements. The Germans then sent soldiers into the Netherlands and northern Belgium and sent a larger force into the south through Luxembourg and the Ardennes Forest leading into the French heartland. Unaware of the attack in the south, the French and British leaders sent the bulk of their troops into the North which left them vulnerable. The Germans had gotten the British out of the way and then dealt with the French. Over time the French had lost almost half of their military and then were forced to sign the armistice with Germany.
Timeline of the German Invasion of France
May 10, 1940-Germany invades France, the Netherlands, and Belgium
May 13-French and British troops are trapped between German armies
May 14-The German air force bombs the Netherlands and they surrender
May 27-British troops evacuate from Dunkirk
June 3- The Germans begin air raids on Paris
June 12- Frances final lines of defense are penetrated by German Forces
June 22-France signs the armistice with Germany
June 23-Hitler visits Paris
Battle of Midway
A month after the Battle of Coral Sea, Admiral Yamamoto, commander of the Japanese army, gave orders to attack Midway. The US intercepted the radio call and was waiting for them and ready to fight. On June 4, 1942, the US launched an immense attack on the Japanese fleet at Midway, but the Japanese fought back. Yamamoto had divided his gigantic assault team and lethally misjudged the American naval force.
At around 10:30 in the morning, which was one of the highlights of the war, the Japanese aircraft carriers were destroyed along with two cruisers and three destroyers. The US, meanwhile, lost an aircraft carrier, Yorktown, and only one destroyer. Neither fleet saw each other. All of the fighting was from beginning to end in the air. The Battle of Midway was the turning point in the war in the Pacific.
A month after the Battle of Coral Sea, Admiral Yamamoto, commander of the Japanese army, gave orders to attack Midway. The US intercepted the radio call and was waiting for them and ready to fight. On June 4, 1942, the US launched an immense attack on the Japanese fleet at Midway, but the Japanese fought back. Yamamoto had divided his gigantic assault team and lethally misjudged the American naval force.
At around 10:30 in the morning, which was one of the highlights of the war, the Japanese aircraft carriers were destroyed along with two cruisers and three destroyers. The US, meanwhile, lost an aircraft carrier, Yorktown, and only one destroyer. Neither fleet saw each other. All of the fighting was from beginning to end in the air. The Battle of Midway was the turning point in the war in the Pacific.
The Phoney War
(Also referred as the “Twilight War”, “Sitzkrieg”, and the "Sitting War.")
The ‘Phoney War’ was a period in time in World War II from September 1939 to April 1940. After the blitzkrieg attack on Poland in September 1939, nothing happened. In Western Europe very little military took place. In fact, so little occurred that many of the children who had been evacuated at the start of the war, had returned to their families. To most people, war had been declared, but nothing was actually happening, but in fact, a few things did. The sinking of the ‘Athena’ was a clear message to Britain that Germany was prepared to sink passenger liners not just the military’s ships. The sinking of the ‘Royal Oak’ brought the war home to Britain.
(Also referred as the “Twilight War”, “Sitzkrieg”, and the "Sitting War.")
The ‘Phoney War’ was a period in time in World War II from September 1939 to April 1940. After the blitzkrieg attack on Poland in September 1939, nothing happened. In Western Europe very little military took place. In fact, so little occurred that many of the children who had been evacuated at the start of the war, had returned to their families. To most people, war had been declared, but nothing was actually happening, but in fact, a few things did. The sinking of the ‘Athena’ was a clear message to Britain that Germany was prepared to sink passenger liners not just the military’s ships. The sinking of the ‘Royal Oak’ brought the war home to Britain.
War in North Africa
When American troops landed in North Africa in 1942, they were confronted with more extreme conditions than they had ever experienced in their lives. The temperature changed drastically between day and night, and the sand constantly clogged their rifles and harmed their eyes. Although they had sand goggles to protect them, the soldiers often experienced mirages that played tricks on them. Since the land was nothing but flat and colorless, it was difficult to camouflage themselves and their equipment. They had to be on the lookout for Axis troops (led by Erwin Rommel) and German air attacks; this did not always help because even if they spotted the airforce, they had nowhere to hide, and Germany would bomb them. The worst were sand storms. The wind blew the sand everywhere, causing destruction. It got caught in the Allies' guns, engines, and even their eyes and lungs.
On November 8, 1942, the Allies landed in the Vichy France territories of Algeria and Morocco. At first, the Allies were losing the war, but then the Vichy France army joined them. With a larger force, they advanced into Tunisia. The North African campaign ended in the mountainous terrain of Tunisia. The Battle of El Alamein began on October 23, 1942. Rommel retreated and left his forces to fight on their own. After long fighting and harsh conditions, British and American troops finally broke through the German defenses. By May 13, 1943, all enemy resistance had ended. Over 250,000 German and Italian troops surrendered.
When American troops landed in North Africa in 1942, they were confronted with more extreme conditions than they had ever experienced in their lives. The temperature changed drastically between day and night, and the sand constantly clogged their rifles and harmed their eyes. Although they had sand goggles to protect them, the soldiers often experienced mirages that played tricks on them. Since the land was nothing but flat and colorless, it was difficult to camouflage themselves and their equipment. They had to be on the lookout for Axis troops (led by Erwin Rommel) and German air attacks; this did not always help because even if they spotted the airforce, they had nowhere to hide, and Germany would bomb them. The worst were sand storms. The wind blew the sand everywhere, causing destruction. It got caught in the Allies' guns, engines, and even their eyes and lungs.
On November 8, 1942, the Allies landed in the Vichy France territories of Algeria and Morocco. At first, the Allies were losing the war, but then the Vichy France army joined them. With a larger force, they advanced into Tunisia. The North African campaign ended in the mountainous terrain of Tunisia. The Battle of El Alamein began on October 23, 1942. Rommel retreated and left his forces to fight on their own. After long fighting and harsh conditions, British and American troops finally broke through the German defenses. By May 13, 1943, all enemy resistance had ended. Over 250,000 German and Italian troops surrendered.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1942, the Japanese had launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2400 people were killed, 188 planes had been destroyed, and 22 ships had been either damaged or destroyed. After the first World War, the United States had formed a policy of isolationism which meant that the United States would not get involved in any war unless they had been attacked. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American people had been so outraged that they abolished the policy of isolationism and went to war with Japan the next day. The attack was an aerial attack from the Japanese which meant it was from planes.
The attack was the climax of worsening tensions between the United States and Japan. It started with the invasion of China from the Japanese in 1937. Then the Japanese formed an alliance with the Axis Powers ( Germany and Italy ) and began its occupation of French Indochina. The United States was already sending war supplies to its allies in Britain, France, and Russia. President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1942, "a day that will live in infamy."
On December 7, 1942, the Japanese had launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2400 people were killed, 188 planes had been destroyed, and 22 ships had been either damaged or destroyed. After the first World War, the United States had formed a policy of isolationism which meant that the United States would not get involved in any war unless they had been attacked. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American people had been so outraged that they abolished the policy of isolationism and went to war with Japan the next day. The attack was an aerial attack from the Japanese which meant it was from planes.
The attack was the climax of worsening tensions between the United States and Japan. It started with the invasion of China from the Japanese in 1937. Then the Japanese formed an alliance with the Axis Powers ( Germany and Italy ) and began its occupation of French Indochina. The United States was already sending war supplies to its allies in Britain, France, and Russia. President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1942, "a day that will live in infamy."
The Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was the bitter nonstop German attack on that Russian city from August of 1942 to February of 1943. The defeat of the German Sixth Army at Stalingrad not only made the Nazis weak, but also marked the strategic turning point of World War II. It has come to be recognized as one of the greatest military debacles of all time. Over the years, the terrible fighting at Stalingrad has also come to symbolize the senseless sacrifice of human life under political pressure.
In mid-November of 1942, a surprise attack by two Russian armies cut off the German Sixth Army, which was then locked in a bloody struggle for the city of Stalingrad. Trapped in a Kessel, an egg-shaped line of defense thirty miles wide and twenty miles deep, the Sixth Army, which was under the command of General Friedrich Paulus, was ordered by Hitler to hold its ground rather than retreat west to join the vanguard of the German forces. In a matter of two months, from late November of 1942 until the end of January of 1943, a quarter of a million German soldiers, a thousand German panzers, eighteen hundred pieces of artillery, an entire air force of transport planes, and untold quantities of military supplies were obliterated by the combined forces of the Soviet Army and the Russian winter.
The Battle of Stalingrad was the bitter nonstop German attack on that Russian city from August of 1942 to February of 1943. The defeat of the German Sixth Army at Stalingrad not only made the Nazis weak, but also marked the strategic turning point of World War II. It has come to be recognized as one of the greatest military debacles of all time. Over the years, the terrible fighting at Stalingrad has also come to symbolize the senseless sacrifice of human life under political pressure.
In mid-November of 1942, a surprise attack by two Russian armies cut off the German Sixth Army, which was then locked in a bloody struggle for the city of Stalingrad. Trapped in a Kessel, an egg-shaped line of defense thirty miles wide and twenty miles deep, the Sixth Army, which was under the command of General Friedrich Paulus, was ordered by Hitler to hold its ground rather than retreat west to join the vanguard of the German forces. In a matter of two months, from late November of 1942 until the end of January of 1943, a quarter of a million German soldiers, a thousand German panzers, eighteen hundred pieces of artillery, an entire air force of transport planes, and untold quantities of military supplies were obliterated by the combined forces of the Soviet Army and the Russian winter.
V-E Day
V-E Day is the official name for the end of six years of war ending on May 8, 1945. On May 7th 1945, the German High Command signed an explicit surrender document. The time that the war would end completely was on the of May 9th, but the news spread so fast that excitement was aroused on the Allies' side and great grief grew on the Axis side. Church bells sounded and thousands of people prayed and gave thanks that the horrible nightmare was finally over and there were no more worries.
In Britain the people invaded the streets, marching down to the palace to celebrate the victory. People danced and cheered in excitement and relief that there were no more threats brought to them. Queen Elizabeth and King George VI waved to enthusiastic crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This was a spectacular day that will be remembered forever.
V-E Day is the official name for the end of six years of war ending on May 8, 1945. On May 7th 1945, the German High Command signed an explicit surrender document. The time that the war would end completely was on the of May 9th, but the news spread so fast that excitement was aroused on the Allies' side and great grief grew on the Axis side. Church bells sounded and thousands of people prayed and gave thanks that the horrible nightmare was finally over and there were no more worries.
In Britain the people invaded the streets, marching down to the palace to celebrate the victory. People danced and cheered in excitement and relief that there were no more threats brought to them. Queen Elizabeth and King George VI waved to enthusiastic crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This was a spectacular day that will be remembered forever.