Sometimes history really matters, and a historical moment that happened 80 years ago today is the reason we have the freedoms we have – from freedom of religion to the freedom to post the most ridiculous nonsense on social media sites. After 80 years, the D-Day invasion of the beaches of France is barely on the radar of the Boomer generation, and that’s why it’s important to relate that bit of history to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
It was June 6, 1944 when young Americans hit the beaches of France which marked the beginning of America’s fight to stop Hitler and protect the rights we enjoy today.
The Boomer generation has only a vicarious relationship with D-Day and WWII because their parents were the generation that fought to keep America free from the genocidal maniac – Hitler.
Boomers need to be reminded and, in many cases, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Zoomers need to be told what June 6th means to them and the freedoms they exercise every day. I knew I would be talking about the relevance of June 6, 1944 to the America we live in now and to relate the significance of that day to younger generations that may not know who to thank for their freedoms.
When America entered the war, we were a very different nation. Americans pulled together and built our military up to be competitive with the superior militaries they were fighting. Women and African-Americans, who were not part of every workplace, came together to join a collective effort that was truly a shining moment for America.
My plans to mention the importance of June 6 became a spontaneous monologue that was inspired by my perspective from a Boomer to Boomers and young generations that may not appreciate what was done for us by our peers 80 years ago. Listen in the audio player above.
