June 6, 1944: The U.S. and our allies launch what was then the largest seaborne and airborne operation in history, Operation Overlord. Paratroopers from the 101^st and 82^nd Airborne divisions loaded late at night on the 5^th, along with other allied airborne troops, and dropped behind enemy lines an hour after midnight to secure the critical terrain and bridges that the invading armies would need. The 1^st, 4^th, and 29^th Infantry Divisions made an opposed amphibious landing on Utah and Omaha beaches, withstanding tremendous enemy fire. It was the beginning of the end of the German Reich, and the European portion of World War II.

As we think back in time, let’s remember not only those who gave their lives that our grandparents and parents could live in a free world; let’s also pay homage to what America made possible, when it united with like-minded, freedom-loving nations:  a better world for not only our children, but for French, British, Dutch, as well as German and Italian kids. America is a land of many different peoples with different outlooks, but we remain a powerful force for good in our crazy, chaotic world.