The 60th anniversary of D-Day is an immensely significant commemoration for the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. Its significance stands out because this is likely the last major anniversary for many of those involved to reflect upon such an honorable day.
According to government records, more than 1,000 World War II veterans die each day. Fewer and fewer men and women who experienced D-Day are able to be honored in person, or are able to experience something like the new National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The fight against Adolf Hitler had incredible support by the American people. D-Day became the culmination of American goodness in many eyes. Unlike events of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, Vietnam and other socially questioned conflicts that have divided our country, the United States received overwhelming support across the board for its soldiers' efforts in World War II.
But we cannot stop the hands of time and prevent these veterans from passing on. After 60 years of remembering the culmination of American goodness, fewer men and women have stories to pass on to their family and friends.
Sit with your grandfather who was stationed in France, or your great aunt who worked in an airplane factory. Ask them what it was like. Ask them to share their stories with you. These stories are treasures of truth. Stories that represent a united country, which stood against oppressive dictatorship and inhumanity.
We should remember that 60 years ago, we were a united people. Many had the same ideals about our involvement with World War II, most agreed that Hitler should be stopped. In this day and age, it is quite different. Recent events have divided our country. Perhaps one day America will be involved in a conflict based on human justice and right over wrong, once again uniting the country in patriotism and righteousness, as our soldiers did 60 years ago.