They saved the world
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To the editor:
I hope every American viewed and was touched by the visit of World War II veterans to Normandy on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Greeted as heroes by French citizens, they are in their 90’s and some 100 and older. In the words of President Biden “they literally saved the world.”
This past week has seen several specials on the horrendous struggle and terrible sacrifice of that day which marked the beginning of the liberation of Europe. When you see the pictures of them at this time, you are struck by how incredibly young they were.
About 150 American veterans, ages 96 to 104, who took part in the landings were expected to attend the ceremony at the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleyville-sur-Mer, France. Sadly, one American veteran, 102-year-old Robert “Al” Persichetti from New York, died on his way to the memorial service.
President Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s King Charles III, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the U.S. ceremony. Other notables in attendance were Actor Tom Hanks and Director Steven Spielberg of “Saving Private Ryan,” fame.
But the real stars of the hour were the veterans.
How can we honor their sacrifice and their bravery? “By remembering D-Day, we learn valuable lessons about the importance of alliances, cooperation, and by standing up against tyranny. These lessons remain relevant today, especially in a world where democracy and peace are still fragile.
D-Day veterans fought for democracy and human rights. Honoring them reinforces our commitment to safeguarding these principles and preventing history from repeating itself.” Tyranny is still alive and well in personages of Vladmir Putin, Kim Chong Un, and Hungary’s strongman Viktor Orban, a recent visitor to Mar-a-Lago.
President Biden ended his five day trip this Sunday by participating in a wreath laying ceremony at the World War I Aisne-Marne American cemetery and Memorial near the village of Belleau, about 60 miles from Paris. Paying tribute to 2,000 Americans including 1,800 U.S. Marines killed in the Belleau Wood [in 1918], Biden said, “More Americans, more Marines than lost here than any battle. The idea that I could come to Normandy and not make the short trip here to pay tribute.” So, we honor the fallen Americans, because as President Clinton said, as he attended the 50th Anniversary at the American Normandy cemetery, “we are the children of their sacrifice.”
Never forget.
Mary Kathryn Gepner
Benton