In just a few days time, we will be marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day—the invasion of Normandy.

130,000 Allies crossed the channel that day. Among them. 54,000 Americans. 2,700 died that day alone.

We’ve called them “the greatest generation” for a reason.

But the spirit that motivated them has been exemplified by those that had gone before them … and those that have served so faithfully after them as well.

Their sacrifice is a testament to the uniqueness of our nation.

This legacy of those who have paid the ultimate price ought to renew our commitment to what George Washington called, “the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”

This Memorial Day weekend, let’s express our gratitude to those who have served and those have died for us.

And: Let us renew our own commitment to what our first President called, “the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty.”