Remembering D-Day

            The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday is the importance of knowing and remembering the history of this great country. Today marks the 75^th anniversary of D-Day, the day (June 6, 1944) that Allied forces invaded northern France by landing on the beaches of Normandy during World War II. Allied forces landed on five beaches that had the code names of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Hundreds of thousands of Allied forces were either killed, wounded, or went missing in the action of the Battle of Normandy.

            President Donald Trump, along with Mrs. Trump and various other Americans, visited Great Britain and then went to Normandy to commemorate D-Day. The President delivered a message that even his foes said was powerful. “Morning Joe” Scarborough said that the President’s words are “the most powerful he’s given as a president of the United States, from certainly the most moving setting.” Jim Acosta of CNN, said that the President “rose to the moment” and gave the “most on-message moment” of his presidency.  The President began by recognizing that the bravery and sacrifice of thousands on June 6, 1944.

We are gathered here on Freedom’s Altar. On these shores, on these bluffs, on this day 75 years ago, 10,000 men shed their blood, and thousands sacrificed their lives, for their brothers, for their countries, and for the survival of liberty.

Today, we remember those who fell, and we honor all who fought right here in Normandy. They won back this ground for civilization.

            Trump paid tribute to the 170 veterans of the World War II who were present: “You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live. You’re the pride of our nation. You are the glory of our republic. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” He told over 60 veterans who landed on D-Day: “Our debt to you is everlasting. Today, we express our undying gratitude.”

            The President continued by praising the forces of several Allied nations – British, Canadians, Poles, Norwegians, Aussies, and French. “And, finally, there were the Americans.” He mentioned individuals Americans and their courageous deeds.

Seven decades ago, the warriors of D-Day fought a sinister enemy who spoke of a thousand-year empire. In defeating that evil, they left a legacy that will last not only for a thousand years, but for all time – for as long as the soul knows of duty and honor; for as long as freedom keeps its hold on the human heart.

To the men who sit behind me, and to the boys who rest in the field before me, your example will never, ever grow old. Your legend will never tire. Your spirit – brave, unyielding, and true – will never die.

The blood that they spilled, the tears that they shed, the lives that they gave, the sacrifice that they made, did not just win a battle. It did not just win a war. Those who fought here won a future for our nation. They won the survival of our civilization. And they showed us the way to love, cherish, and defend our way of life for many centuries to come.

Today, as we stand together upon this sacred Earth, we pledge that our nations will forever be strong and united. We will forever be together. Our people will forever be bold. Our hearts will forever be loyal. And our children, and their children, will forever and always be free.

May God bless our great veterans. May God bless our Allies. May God bless the heroes of D-Day.