REFLECTING ON D-DAY

Here below we reproduce on extract of what Guillaume Xavier-Bender a Transatlantic Fellow based in the Brussels office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States writes:

“The word ‘commemoration’ takes its true meaning: relating altogether; remembering together…. those who fought that day and the days after to liberate Europe and the true value and costs of European peace and unity.

In this ongoing transformation of the post-Cold War era, allies, partners, and global challengers alike must never forget the values, principles and ideals that past generations fought for. But in the same way that military historian John Keegan asked ‘Why do men fight?’, it is important to understand why we commemorate, and not just what we commemorate. In the collective memory, D-Day is one of the founding moments of the transatlantic alliance, a day described by Winston Churchill as ‘a brotherhood in arms’

As Philip Stevens noted in his introductory remarks to Brussels Forum 2014, in a world once again in transition, ‘the coherence and cohesion of the transatlantic alliance is going to be more or less important’. Coherence and cohesion among allies in Europe itself. The outcome of the EU elections might have indeed reflected an increase in anti-EU sentiment in Europe, confirming the rising trend of populist and nationalist movements on the continent. Its symbolic significance is far greater than the additional seats these groups will have in the European Parliament; they may contest some of the basic philosophies that have guided the transatlantic relationship so far. Coherence and cohesion between Americans and Europeans as well, as they struggle to strengthen their economic military alliances on new fronts. NATO, the creation of a European defense policy, aspirations from global challengers, perceptions of a trade and investment partnership, potential benefits and fears arising from new technologies, exacerbated social inequalities are just a few of the challenges that will shape a new transatlantic equilibrium.

The times we are living through should not only be used for commemorations among allies, whether on the beaches of Normandy or in the fields of Ypres, on Wenceslas Square or under the Brandenburg Gate, even as far as the waters of Tonkin. They should also be the times when leaders on both sides of the Atlantic embrace and address the transitions that their nations and peoples are inevitably going through. They are the times for renewed transatlantic vision, leadership, solidarity, trust, and partnership, the times for strategic patience, but also the times for decision.

As we look beyond commemorating the Longest Day, we are reminded of some of Churchill’s other words in front of the House of Commons on June 6, 1944: ‘It is therefore, a most serious time that we enter upon. Thank God, we enter upon it with our great Allies all in good heart and all in good friendship.’

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