80 years later, we still remember D-Day

Dn. Mario A. Guerra serves as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and is a two-time former mayor of the City Of Downey. He can be reached at www.marioaguerra.com

This Memorial Day I am honored to speak on behalf of the United States Army and about our heroes whom we pay tribute to this weekend.

I serve today as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, but more importantly, as someone who has a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our country.

Being Mayor of Downey twice was probably the coolest and funnest job I’ve ever had, but being able to work with so many outstanding individuals and soldiers today in our Army is by far the most rewarding experience of my life.

I came to this great nation as a refugee, a little boy escaping the grip of communism. I am proud and honored to witness firsthand the freedoms and opportunities that America provides to its people, thanks in large part to the dedication and courage of our military, past and present.

Memorial Day is a day of national recognition to honor the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation and its values.

It was first observed after the Civil War. Memorial Day was initially called “Decoration Day” because families gathered to remember their loved ones by decorating gravesites with flowers or flags.

This tradition continues across America today.

In proclaiming that first Decoration Day in 1868 General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, wrote that we should not only remember those “who died in defense of their country,” but also, “renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us...the widows and orphans.”

Today, we continue to honor those left behind who paid a personal price for us and our nation, our Gold Star families. We will never forget you. Allow me to express my appreciation to you on behalf of our entire country. We are humbled by your sacrifice, inspired by your resilience and grateful for your continued service to your communities.

Next month, we begin a commemoration of the eightieth anniversary of D-Day. As we mark that milestone and gather on this Memorial Day, we are again reminded of the true cost of war.

Just a few weeks ago, I again had the privilege again of visiting Normandy Beaches in France, where the historic D-Day invasion took place. Standing in the solemn grounds of the American Cemetery, I was moved to lay a wreath at the statue called “ Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves”. As the strains of the Star Spangled Banner filled the air, I was overwhelmed with emotion, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.

Walking along the shores of Omaha Beach, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the bravery of the men and women who stormed those very sands to secure our liberties. It was a humbling experience that reinforced the importance of honoring and remembering those who have given their lives in service to our country.

Ann and I were also there with President Clinton at the 50th anniversary of D-Day in 1994, commemorated by President Clinton, where I had the privilege of listening to the stories of the survivors who had fought on that fateful day. Meeting them that day will always be a special memory for us. Their courage and resilience serve as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to all those who have served in our armed forces.

On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy.

As troops began heading toward the French Coast on that historic day, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower pledged that “we will accept nothing less than full victory.”

More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion. By day’s end, the Allies gained a foothold in Continental Europe.

The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.

It was indeed a high price that they were willing to pay to defeat the enemy, and secure freedom across the globe.

Twelve soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic deeds during the Normandy Invasion, which lasted from June 6 to July 24.

The Normandy American Cemetery was established on June 8, 1944 as the first American Cemetery on European soil in WWII. This cemetery covers 172 acres and contains the graves of 9,388 of our military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landing and ensuing operations.

The soldiers on the Normandy beaches embodied our Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

When General Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, he said that “the eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”

They still are, in so many ways. And today, our eyes are upon them, as we remember the sacrifices America’s children, siblings, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents made for this country, and the freedom we enjoy today because of them.

On Monday, as we gather to commemorate Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of these brave individuals. Let us honor their memory and express our deepest appreciation for their selfless service to our nation. May we never forget the debt we owe to those who have given their lives so that we may live in freedom and peace.

Thank you to all who have served, to our Gold Star families and may we always remember and honor the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

We can honor them by participating in the National Moment of Remembrance, a call to pause at 3:00 PM local time on Monday, Memorial Day, to reflect on and remember those Americans who died in service to our nation. We can fly our flags at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raise them briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. We remember what they gave for us and honor them today.