Natural disasters, wars and terrorist attacks are all worldwide events that strike a chord with everyone.

Everyone remembers where they were when the planes hit the twin towers. No one has forgotten the images in New Orleans after Katrina.

But, time does fade memories. And new generations are never as quick to memorialize events that happened before they were born.

Sixty-four years ago today thousands of Americans participated in the largest one-day invasion ever. On June 6, 1944, more than 130,000 troops landed in Normandy, France for D-Day.

The World War II battle left 3,393 Americans dead. Thousands more were injured or captured.

Life back home was changed forever.

Yet, today, much of the American population can’t remember the events because they weren’t alive.

Though the number of World War II veterans decreases every day, many are still living. To those who served, we owe a heartfelt “thank you,” and at least a pause in our busy day to remember the importance of the day.

If it weren’t for the soldiers who served, the sacrifices of their families and the bravery of all involved our lives today would not be the same. And that deserves remembrance.