Sixty nine years ago today (May 7, 1945), Germany surrendered to Allied forces at Reims, France. The next day (May 8, 1945), was declared to be V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day). Take a moment today and give thanks for the brave men and women from that generation who confronted the unspeakable evil of Nazism and prevailed. Thank God for this victory. Sadly, many of these men and women are now dead. But that does not diminish their courage, sacrifice, and accomplishment in the face of a terrible and ruthless enemy.

On a personal note, my dad served in the Army during World War II and I am very proud of him. He was a surveyor for the artillery, a job that men did before the advent of computer controlled firepower. The men and women of my parents’ generation truly were the “Greatest Generation” of the 20th century. Thank you, Greatest Generation, for your sacrifice and devotion to our country. Thank you, God, for giving them to us.