The Seventieth Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
May 8, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day or Victory in Europe Day, which was the beginning of the end of World War Two. Three months later, on August 15 we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day or Victory in Japan Day, which marked the final ending of World War Two. Together with Memorial Day on May 25, we will have three occasions to pause and remember the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces during World War Two and how their service at that pivotal point in our nation’s history still has tremendous significance for us today.
In an era when many high school students in the United States cannot identify who our enemies were in World War Two, let us resolve to educate them about this and other events throughout our history where the United States invested its blood and treasure for the greater good of the world. Let’s spend less time in school worrying about global warming and transgender studies and more time learning about the brave individuals who risked life and limb so that we could live in this wonderful country today.
When I think of the men who hit the beach at Normandy and Tarawa, many of whom never returned, it makes me sad to think that some in later generations, who benefited so greatly from their sacrifices, often take the freedoms we enjoy today for granted. It’s important for all of us to remember that victory in World War Two was not guaranteed. We faced two powerful enemies on two different fronts. Had either of them won the war, life for us would be very different today. Let’s give thanks to all those who served and all those still serving. ‘We sleep soundly in our beds…in the night’ knowing that they are standing the watch.
