Today marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of France codenamed Operation Overlord, which commenced in the early hours of June 6, 1944. It was the beginning of the end for Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist Workers (NAZI) Party and its reign of terror across Europe — an epic battle in defense of American Liberty, and by extension, that of all mankind. On that day, and many bloody days that followed on the European and Pacific fronts, American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines purchased Liberty for the next generation at a very heavy human price. It is our sacred responsibility now to extend that inheritance to the next generation.

I invite you to learn more about D-Day in my column, “D-Day at 75: Two Flags and a Son’s Promise Kept.” Take time to view D-Day — Freedom Is NOT Free.

To mark the occasion, President Donald Trump spoke today at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. He said, “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. … 9,388 young Americans rest beneath the white crosses and Stars of David arrayed on these beautiful grounds.”

Fact is, the only real estate the USA retained after World War II, was that necessary to bury our dead.

Appropriately, Trump noted, “More powerful than the strength of American arms was the strength of American hearts.”

French president Emmanuel Macron offered these words to our nation: “On behalf of my nation I want to say thank you.” Indeed, the United States is due that thanks from every country in Europe.

I was struck by this observation from General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s granddaughter, Susan Eisenhower: “I think with respect to the courage that was shown here at Normandy, today we don’t have self less Ness and self-sacrifice in our vocabulary. … there was a time when people were called upon to do things they didn’t necessarily want to do or couldn’t be spared to do. They reported for duty, they put their best selves in it and they discovered when they hit the beaches that they were more than they ever thought they could be.”

Indeed they did.

On Memorial Day just past, I offered this advice to those who genuinely want to demonstrate their gratitude to all who paid the highest price for their Liberty and those who want to thank active-duty and veteran military personnel today for the freedom they have, and continue to defend, at great cost: Strive to be, first and foremost, an American citizen worthy of their sacrifice.

Watch composer John Williams’ moving “Hymn to the Fallen” while taking a visual tour of the only real estate Americans kept after WWII — just enough land to bury our dead. Listen to Taps at Arlington National Cemetery.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” —John 15:13

On this and every day, please pray for our Patriot Armed Forces now standing in harm’s way around the world in defense of our liberty, and for the families awaiting their safe return.

(Updated.)