It has surprised many of my students over the years, whether they were old enough to be my parents or young enough to be my kids, that American military action the first year and a half of its involvement in World War II was in outlying Pacific islands and the deserts of North Africa. It wasn’t until the summer of 1943 did Allied troops reach the European mainland (several years Nazi territory by then), coming first through Sicily, then advancing north up the Italian peninsula. Progress was not exactly speedy (fascists are loath to give up ground), and it took nearly a year to reach the city of Rome. U.S. forces took possession of Rome on June 4, 1944, just two days before their fellow soldiers landed in France (one of history’s great one-two punches). Seventy years later it is this “D-Day” (the Allied invasion of Nazi-held France from across the English Channel) that is looked upon as one of if not the turning point of the war. It would be nearly a year and quite a number of battles later before victory in Europe was secure, and another three months beyond that before the Japanese would surrender in the Pacific. Mission accomplished.

Today I bring you this short military history in recognition of the anniversary of D-Day. As someone who never had to serve I am thankful of those who did. They ensured for us the freedom we know today.

I’ve said before that World War II was the last government program that worked. It was very expensive and at times inefficient (like most government programs), but in my opinion, worth the price. My generation owes a great debt to those of the Greatest Generation, those who served overseas and on the homefront, so let us remember them this day.