Reigniting the Spirit of D-Day
Like 1944, our world’s problems are big and complex. But, unlike 1944, they can be solved without facing down German heavy guns.
Seventy-two years ago, American and allied forces stormed the beaches of Northern France. The fate of the free world was in their hands.
Their mission was clear: Defeat Hitler and his allies, end a genocide, and preserve what was left of the free world.
Our people — those storming the beaches, those making the decisions back home, those working factory shifts— had moral clarity. We would win, regardless of the sacrifice.
Can you imagine what must have been going through the minds of the young men approaching Omaha Beach? As their boats waded through cold, harsh waters, young Americans awaited destiny — the German heavy guns would reach them or their buddies, or maybe both. But as the ramps lowered, they moved as one into hell on Earth, overcoming fear to defeat the enemy and save the world.
We naturally, and correctly, revere history. So much of our society — our spirit — was built by our forefathers. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
History serves as a timeless marker — when facing our big moment, would we rise up to meet it like they did?
As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about modern masculinity, I wonder if my generation of American men would be willing to storm Omaha Beach — one for all, all for one.
Since we will not storm European beaches any time soon, what is the big challenge of our time that requires national unity?
There are many contenders — ISIS, climate change, income inequality — but one stands out: political reconciliation.**
Like 1944, our world’s problems are big and complex. But, unlike 1944, they can be solved without facing down German heavy guns.
Our problems require a new type of courage. We need the courage to moderate — placing national unity above self-interest — and the wisdom of discretion. And we need it fast.
I know, I know, you think the government is too big or the rich get away with too much. You hate Obama, or you love Obama. You think we should be at war, or we should bring home our troops.
Either way, let’s take a lesson from history — no civilization can be great, nor thrive, without a functional government. Once we commit to the principle of functional government, we can work out the details: spending, tax rates, foreign policy.
Don’t tell me it is too hard or cannot be done. Under heavy enemy fire, 160,000 Allied forces stormed French beaches; watched their friends perish; fought their way through enemy lines; liberated a continent; and saved the free world.
By comparison, our job is easy. But it requires a courage that few of us know. And that’s the nature of courage — in the moment of great uncertainty, finding the inner strength that allows us to choose the right thing over the easy thing.
So rather than waving the flag in celebration of our forefathers’ bravery, how about we commit to picking up their torch of unity?
** I will write a follow-on essay about political reconcilitation
Thanks to Liam Brady for reading a draft of this essay
