In memory of those who fought, died, and saved the world in Normandy, let us be worthy of their sacrifice and be the generation that – when the history is written of our time – it will be said that we met the moment. That we stood strong and saved democracy in our time as well.

We cannot let what happened in Normandy be lost in silence. The fact that our service members were heroes that day does not absolve us of what we must do today. Because democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it, and fight for it.

D-Day was a powerful illustration of how alliances make us stronger in the defense of freedom. This lesson has never resonated more.

To surrender to bullies or to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable. To do that means forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches in Normandy. Make no mistake, we will not bow down. And we will not forget.

The men who fought here in Normandy became heroes not because they were the strongest, or toughest, or fiercest – although many were.   But because they were given an audacious mission, knowing they could die, and they did it anyway.   They knew, beyond any doubt that there are…