Storming the Beaches: D-Day at 70
Today marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. On this day in history 156,000 soldiers, sailors, and marines lead by US and UK commanders fought their way through occupied France in an effort to push back Germany and reclaim Europe. The invasion of Normandy was a turning point in World War II, for up until that point Germany had maintained a strong hold on the majority of Europe. The sacrifices of those involved in all waves of the Normandy invasion must never be forgotten. It was a bloody battle that lasted days and incurred heavy casualties, but ultimately the allies prevailed and paved the way for victory in Europe.
This day should always hold meaning, however, given recent events this year D-Day also brings to the surface interesting queries about foreign policy.
During WWII the US essentially fought two separate, though interconnected, wars. There was the European front where the battle was to push back Germany and eliminate the Nazis—an extremist group seeking to espouse their views on the world (sound familiar?). Then there was the Pacific front, the battle between the US and the Empire of Japan—a small but populous and industrious nation seeking to rule Asia (can you find the current correlation?). At different points in history during the years leading up to WWII both the leaders of Germany and Japan had ensured other nations that they posed no threat to anyone. The US was in talks with Japan right up until the week of the attack on Pearl Harbor which desecrated the Pacific Fleet and killed over 2400 men and women. In Europe, Hitler repeatedly told world leaders he was only interested in securing Germany. Even as rumors circulated about the Holocaust and military buildups, neighboring nations and the US continued to appease Hitler believing he was eccentric but not inherently dangerous. Eventually world leaders had no choice but to respond with force when the Third Reich began invading sovereign lands. However, some countries simply surrendered while others fought but could not defeat the powerful German forces. By the time the US did enter the war in Europe, Hitler had almost complete control of the continent and had already kill hundreds of thousands of people he believed unworthy of living.
What if the US had never enter WWII? What if we had refused to negotiate with the Empire of Japan? What if the invasion of Normandy failed? What if leaders had paid more attention to Hitler and Hirohito? It is easy to ask questions in hindsight, and sometimes the unavoidable happens, but we are supposed to learn from history. There are correlations today that can’t be missed. Unlike the Nazis, al Qaeda does not have an entire country behind it, but make no mistake they are an extremist group growing all over the globe seeking a “final solution.” And today a story broke that North Korea has an American hostage, what are the odds they think it is open season on negotiations? And what are the odds they will be truthful? North Korea may be small, but they too are industrious and they want more power.
These issues cannot be ignored. If nothing else, the D-Day Anniversary should stand as a reminder of the power of extremism, the consequences of failed foreign policies, and the might of united fronts. No one wants another war, but there is a malicious brewing on the rise and the US and her allies must remain vigilant so that the sacrifices of those that stormed the beaches of Normandy need not be repeated nor forgotten.
Photo courtesy of Army.mil.
