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I write this letter on Friday, June 6, the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the beginning of the liberation of Europe. On that day, the bravery and self sacrifice demonstrated by those warriors began the match across Europe that ended the terror of Hitler and his Nazi regime.

General Eisenhower wrote to the troops: “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months.”

“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.”

The letter ends with: “I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!

“Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”

On May 7, 1945, 11 months after Normandy, General Eisenhower accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender.

Approximately 250,00 Americans died in the European theater.

Now, fast forward to the present. This past week we witnessed Trump being schooled by the German Chancellor Merz on what June 6 represents to the German people; liberation from the Nazis. In Trump’s twisted mind he thought that was a sad time for Germany! Really? Does he really think the Germans liked living with terror, people disappearing, concentration camps and mass murder? Trump continues to demonstrate his ignorance of our history, the sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms and the very Constitution that guarantees government by the people, not a king.

What we have cannot be taken for granted. Democracy is not free. It takes vigilance, courage and sacrifice. Now is our time to make it perfectly clear that we are not giving up our democracy. We are not giving up the progress we have made in the last 80 years, and we will not abandon those who cannot fend for themselves. Silence is not OK!

Karen Bell
Albert Lea