Published on June 7, 2024, 2:48 am

Prominent leaders within the Republican Party took a moment on Thursday to pay tribute to the remarkable bravery and sacrifice of thousands of American soldiers who stormed the northern shores of France, marking a decisive turn in liberating Europe from Nazi domination.

These reflections spanned across several platforms as Americans commemorated the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord. Known more colloquially as D-Day and launched on June 6, 1944, this monumental endeavor stands tall in history as the most massive amphibious invasion ever witnessed. On that consequential day, more than 2,500 Americans officers gave up their lives.

Former President Donald Trump eulogized these soldiers saying, “Today, we honor the immortal heroes who landed at Normandy 80 years ago. They will forever be etched in history for their bravery, nobility, and truly embodying what it means to be an American. Their blood spilt and many lost lives bore testimony to their commitment to chase American freedom. They forever live in our hearts.”

Providing his tribute on social media was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He wrote: “Eighty years ago today over 150,000 Allied troops made landfall on the beaches of Normandy staking it all for liberty’s victory over malevolence. We look back at them with reverence for their courage that ranks among America’s finest moments.”

He also announced a special gesture of recognition for five brave Floridians who were part of that historical tide-turner. DeSantis conveyed: “I’m excited to present the Florida Medal of Merit to five brave Floridians who displayed extraordinary gallantry on those very beaches… The state gives its deepest thanks to every American soldier who responded to WWII’s call and solemn tributes to those whose homecoming never came.”

Speaking out was House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), he highlighted: “On this day we commemorate the awe-inspiring courage and commitment of the roughly 160,000 Allied troops who descended on Normandy’s beaches to square up against Nazi Germany—the WWII game changer.” He gave a nod to their indomitable spirit as he added that “We are eternally indebted for their valor and always carry a memorial in our hearts.”

In an opinion editorial penned for The New York Times, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) prompted some introspection on the events leading up to World War II.

“World War II saw American military personnel join forces with Allies in confronting Axis powers, not as an initial impulse but as a final resort… They brought down a war they were drawn into by global inaction.” McConnell pointed out how generations have taken pride in this era of “wartime bravery and ingenuity” but less attention is cast on how “millions died due to lukewarm responses or neglectful naiveness towards militant authoritarianism.”

McConnell cautioned about glossing over the critical narratives about isolationists persuading many Americans that our allies’ fate bore little importance to us. Bringing light upon political forces that dismissed mounting threats and resisted aiding allies or tried to limit America’s ability to protect national interests.

McConnell ended his piece noting that “America and its allies face one of the gravest security threats since Axis forces began their rampage across Europe” and warns us of repeating late responses like the ’30s could manifest.

Thus through tributes and reflections, the Republican Party leads us towards trusted news powered through a Christian worldview aimed at keeping real news alive in our collective psyche.