'They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest'

USATODAY

The D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, which ultimately resulted in the liberation of Europe from Nazism, has inspired world leaders from FDR to Obama to reflect on the sacrifices of those who stormed the beaches that day.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill visits the destroyed city of Caen, after Allied forces stormed the Normandy beaches on D-Day.

USA TODAY looks at memorable lines from World War II leaders and recent American presidents as they discuss a day that changed the world.

"The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you." — Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's message to the troops before the invasion, 1944

The Normandy Invasion began on the morning of June 6, 1944.

"They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate." — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio broadcast, June 6, 1944

The more than 156,000 troops from the initial invasion made landfall on a coastline that stretched 50 miles.

"And what a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever occurred.'' — Winston Churchill to the House of Commons, June 6, 1944

"These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war." — President Reagan in Normandy to mark the 40th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1984

Reagan's speech marking the 40th anniversary of D-Day was among the most widely praised of his presidency.

"We know that progress is not inevitable. But neither was victory upon these beaches. Now, as then, the inner voice tells us to stand up and move forward. Now, as then, free people must choose." — President Clinton in Normandy to mark the50th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1994

Approximately 11,000 aircraft were used in support of the force that landed.

"That road to V-E Day was hard and long, and traveled by weary and valiant men. And history will always record where that road began. It began here, with the first footprints on the beaches of Normandy." — President George W. Bush in Normandy to mark the 60th anniversary, June 6, 2004

"It was unknowable then, but so much of the progress that would define the 20th century, on both sides of the Atlantic, came down to the battle for a slice of beach only 6 miles long and 2 miles wide." — President Obama in Normandy to mark the 65th anniversary, June 2009

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