Allied forces secured the beaches at a cost of about 10,000 casualties in what was the first step in a campaign that would , in a matter of weeks , liberate Paris , which had been under Nazi occupation for more than four years . Today , World War II veterans pay tribute to D - Day fallen . President Obama , France 's President , Britain 's are among those honored . 150,000 allied troops took part in landings on June 6 , Normandy .
Today , World War II veterans pay tribute to D - Day fallen . President Obama , France 's President , Britain 's are among those honored . 150,000 allied troops took part in landings on June 6 , Normandy .