Today, under the beautiful blue skies of France, there was a remembrance of the heroes who quite literally saved the world 80 years ago.
The Heroes
It very well may be the last major D-Day ceremony attended by those who actually stormed the beaches of Normandy. Our World War II veterans are mostly between the ages of 96 and 102. Their average age on D-Day was 19.
Think about that. Think about what the 19 year olds are doing today. They’re on TikTok. They’re tweeting out about their latest disorder. It is seemingly just a completely different set of values, and that is what is sad about where we are today.
These service members are the inspiration for what we would like to get back to – not war, but the courage, values, and honor.
The Ceremony
About 150 American service members managed to make the journey to France today. Sadly, one of them, U.S. Navy veteran Robert Persichitti, died en route. It is a stark reminder that less than 1 percent of the more than 16 million Americans who served during World War II are still with us.
Once there, they received the hero’s welcome that they so richly deserve. But if you’ve ever spoken to a World War II veteran, you know they never want to be called ‘hero.’ And yet heroes they were, absolutely.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored 11 Americans – including 101-year-old Pfc. Calvin Shiner (above) – with a Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian and military award.
Each veteran stood, some needing some assistance, as Mr. Macron pinned it on them on behalf of a grateful nation and embraced them. Time may have slowed down these veterans; their bodies may be failing a bit; but the pride in their eyes was something to behold.
The Watch
One of the most poignant moments of the day came when a young service member read “The Watch.” It is a poem that is traditionally recited when a naval officer retires.
80 years ago, they stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen and women can sleep soundly in safety each and every night knowing that these veterans stood the watch.
Today, we are here to say, World War II veterans, the watch stands relieved; relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.
American World War II veterans, you stand relieved. We have the watch.
That made me tear up. I love those moments. God bless our servicemen and women, the guys in uniform, the guys who liberated the world. They are such a great reminder of the best America has to offer and the responsibility we all share in securing our nation’s future.
Playing Politics
Unfortunately, this being a political season, not everyone took the high road. Take a look at this tweet from Hillary Clinton. “Eighty years ago today, thousands of brave Americans fought to protect democracy on the shores of Normandy,” she wrote. “This November, all we have to do is vote.”
She can’t let it go even on a day like this.
For the rest of us, our minds and our hearts are in the right place. Let us always remember and honor the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and their families and take the watch ever to heart.
You can check out Megyn’s full analysis by tuning in to episode 812 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s Triumph (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.