NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Eighty years ago, 73,000 brave American soldiers stormed the coast of Normandy, charging against long odds and heavy fire to free a continent from the grip of tyranny. In this singular moment, the United States has demonstrated to allies and adversaries alike its willingness to lead the charge in defending democracy, a sacred commitment our nation has embraced over the decades since this historic event.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the landing, President Ronald Reagan spoke to this spirit from atop the steep cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, where American Rangers once scaled dangerous heights to destroy an enemy artillery position. He praised the heroes of the Greatest Generation for risking their lives for democracy, which he called “the most profoundly honorable form of government ever conceived by man.” He recalled the bitter lessons of the two world wars, that it was “better to be here ready to protect the peace than… to rush to react only after the loss of freedom.” And he spoke of the promise that God made to Joshua, promising our allies: “I will not fail you nor forsake you. »
President Reagan delivered two speeches in Normandy on June 6, 1984, when he gave one of his most famous speeches highlighting the heroic actions of the “Boys of Pointe du Hoc.” (David Hume Kennerly / Contributor)
Four decades later, the world still faces grave threats to democracy – and still demands reliable American leadership to light the way. In President Joe Biden, we are fortunate to have a leader who continues the great tradition of Roosevelt and Reagan and recognizes that preserving the promise of democracy is the defining challenge of our time.
D-DAY AT 80: ONE MORE MISSION IN NORMANDY FOR THE GREATEST GENERATION
After four years of American withdrawal from its leadership responsibilities around the world, President Biden took office promising to stand strong for freedom and democracy, to stand with our allies and partners, and to stand up to autocrats and tyrants around the world.
Over the past three years, he has done just that. Reviving Reagan’s vision of the transatlantic alliance as “our shield for freedom, prosperity, and peace,” President Biden strengthened and enlarged NATO to include North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden. At the same time, he revitalized the Indo-Pacific partnership and repaired frayed ties with America’s friends around the world.
When Vladimir Poutine launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine – seeking to overthrow a neighboring democracy and divide our NATO alliance – President Biden’s leadership was tested. His clear and forceful response would make Roosevelt and Reagan proud: bring together an international coalition to stand up to Russia, heeding the lessons of history that the victory of a tyrant anywhere threatens the security of free peoples all over the world.
It’s hard to believe that the apparent Republican presidential nominee is rejecting Reagan’s legacy of U.S. global leadership.
American World War II veterans gather in the town center of Sainte-Mère-Eglise, northwest France, June 5, 2024, as part of “D-Day” commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings of World War II in Normandy. The D-Day ceremonies on June 6 this year mark the 80th anniversary of the launch of “Operation Overlord,” a massive military operation by Allied forces in Normandy that turned the tide of the Second World War. ultimately leading to the liberation of occupied France. and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. (MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)
During his four years in office, President Trump rejected and neglected our allies, knelt to dictators, and left America isolated and alone. Just recently, he said he would encourage Russia to “do whatever it wants” to our transatlantic allies – and even suggested he would withdraw NATO support for Ukraine, forcing President Zelensky to surrender to Putin.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS REVIEWS
Here at home, we all watched in horror as Trump became the first president to attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election by launching a violent attack on the Capitol. This time, he explicitly leads a campaign of revenge and retribution, promising a “bloodbath” if he loses. And he made it his mission to seek power at all costs… without restriction by our laws or our Constitution.
Our brave and courageous soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy to protect our Constitution, our freedoms and our country. The last thing we should do in their memory is betray the enduring values of freedom, peace and security that so many Americans gave their last measure of dedication to defend.
U.S. Army troops gather in a Navy infantry landing craft during the invasion of Normandy, France, June 6, 1944. (US Navy/Getty Images)
Trump’s words and actions constitute a betrayal of the courageous service members who stormed the beaches of Normandy – and a betrayal of the enduring values of freedom, peace and security that so many Americans have given their last measure of support to. dedication to defend.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Eighty years since D-Day landings – as we remember the courage and sacrifice that freedom requires – America once again finds itself at a crossroads, with democracy at stake.
When President Biden visits the windswept cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on Thursday, it will provide appropriate symmetry to Reagan’s pilgrimage 40 years ago: showing the world America’s renewed commitment to defending the democracy. It’s a cause that America’s heroes have bled and died for, that presidents of both parties have championed, and that Joe Biden says is etched into the very soul of our nation.
Republican Chuck Hagel is a former Secretary of the Department of Defense and former U.S. Senator from Nebraska.
