Seventy-seven years ago in the European Theater of Operations in World War II thousands of insanely brave men accosted the shores of France at Utah Beach and thus began the end of the Nazi empire.

Back at home, there were no debates about whether this was the right thing to do. No one questioned the President’s motive in ordering the attack. No revisionist historian had yet pondered the dramatic loss of life and whether such sacrifice was prudent. It was a different America. No one was going to apologize.

I thank God for that.

Where would we be in this country, in this world, had these brave men not thrown themselves on the beach that day in 1944? Maybe we would not have prevailed in World War II? Maybe we would be goosestepping our way through life hating everything and everyone not Arian? Maybe the world economy would consist of  Nazi Germany and a militarist Japan?

Remembering those that put their lives on the line for us this day seventy-five years ago is the least we should do today.

That was a time of American heroes when partisan politics had not brought our government to a grinding halt. It was a time when no one would dare question the integrity or patriotism of the American President.

For his part, FDR would never have praised Hitler or Hirohito and insult Churchill. Then, after the war, Truman stood up to Stalin and helped recreate Europe.

The only wall erected was built by the Russians.

It was a much different time.

Years later, when the war in Viet Nam was dividing our country, setting us up for today’s division, you could not argue with a World War II vet about the war. Although many were reluctant to speak about their experience, they never questioned the legitimacy of the war nor their duty to answer the call to defend this country.

It was a much different time.

These heroes possessed an undying faith in their country, in their President, in their religion. There may have been atheists among them, but they didn’t openly mock believers as you often see today on cable news and even commercials supporting atheism.  Believe or don’t believe, just don’t mock. It’s so unAmerican.

Growing up in the 1950s included the continuity of faith in our country. It was demanded of us though never a word had to be spoken. It was just taken for granted that you supported our nation. When the USSR threatened us with annihilation as Kruschev banged his shoe at the United Nations, President Kennedy was respected even by those disagreeing with him.

It was a much different time.

Perhaps on this one day, we can put our political and cultural hostility behind us so that we can focus on the heroes who assaulted the beaches of Normandy to ensure our freedom to disagree.