LITTLETON, CO — More than 160,000 Allied troops invaded Western Europe on June 6, 1944, in what became a major turning point in World War II. Now, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, a historic letter has been donated to the Littleton Museum.

The letter was given to Captain Guido Karrer before D-Day, and his family generously donated it to the museum Thursday.

The document was given to soldiers, sailors and pilots before Operation Neptune, now known as D-Day, before the operation began. The letter was meant to encourage those involved in the mission and boost morale.

The letter reads, in full:

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

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You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi Tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good Luck! And let us all beseeech the blessing of Al-mighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

The United States, United Kingdom and 14 other countries marked the D-Day anniversary with a historic statement that affirmed the countries’ shared responsibility to “ensure the horror of the Second World War is never repeated.”

World leaders, dignitaries, veterans, military service members, Queen Elizabeth and President Donald Trump all took part in events to mark the anniversary.