Passing of an American Icon

A Great Man has passed today. The world is a much better place for having been touched by his eternal optimism and his unwavering belief in freedom.

As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, let's be reminded of the true calling these brave men were answering that day in a speech given 20 years ago by President Reagan. His words rang true that day and they surely take on additional significance today.

The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge--and pray God we have not lost it--that there is a profound, moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.

You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.