D-DAY REMEMBRANCE

As we mark the 75^th Anniversary of D-Day, we remember, most importantly, the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom over the tyranny that had taken hold on the European continent. This day also provides a lesson about the importance of alliances, both national and ideological, and the need to remain vigilant in the face of a resurgent tide of dark forces. 

I am proud and fortunate to have been able to see the landing beaches of Normandy, first-hand, and to feel the tides of history as the waves hit the shores.  In 1994, while on the Presidential Protective Division, I was with President Clinton, for the 50^th Anniversary.  And in 2004, while stationed in France as the Secret Service Attaché in Paris, I helped to coordinate the protection efforts for the visit of President GW Bush to Normandy for the 60^th D-Day Anniversary.  I will cherish these memories forever. 

I made several other visits to Normandy, while stationed in France, and you can’t come away from a visit to the American Cemetery at Coleville Sur Mer, without a feeling of somber amazement of the accomplishment of the allied landings on that day in 1944, and the sacrifice that came with it.  Each gravestone marks a person whose life was cut short for a cause greater than themselves – and collectively, a stark representation of the sometimes terrible cost of honor and selfless commitment, and the unremitting debt that we owe to our military men and women for their service.