‘May we live worthy of their sacrifice’

It’s refreshing to have a top military official who truly cares about America and those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free.

For the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to a video of himself greeting WWII soldiers who “were just boys” when they took the ultimate risk for America’s future.

“May we live worthy of their sacrifice,” Hegseth said on X in response to the video shared by DOD Rapid Response X account.

They were just boys who went to war in hopes that America would remain free.

We will never forget their sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/8kYqqRqNlK

— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) June 6, 2025

In a time when America’s founding principles are under relentless attack and the promise of freedom and liberty hangs by a thread in a divided nation, photos and footage of that fateful day 81 years ago seemed to hit a little harder for many.

RIGHT NOW in 1944, this is the scene in Normandy. The liberation of France is underway #DDay pic.twitter.com/0LUQIImNJp

— Military History Now (@MilHistNow) June 6, 2025

81 years ago today.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
– Laurence Binyon#DDay #OperationOverlord pic.twitter.com/hsIa3shRJS

— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) June 6, 2025

We WILL remember all these brave, but probably terrified souls who gave their all for us. Their courage and sacrifice is unimaginable. #DDay pic.twitter.com/Mkmf4IRWEo

— Christine Hamilton ❤️ (@brit_battleaxe) June 6, 2025

It’s D Day. 4,427 Allied soldiers died today so that generations not even born, like mine, could grow up in freedom. @WWIIMemorial pic.twitter.com/yCWblfKt9P

— alex kershaw (@kershaw_alex) June 5, 2025

As for Hegseth, X users expressed gratitude for his unapologetic patriotism and love for America.

So proud of those brave men! Thank you so much for loving America as much as we do, Sec. Hegseth! It matters so very much. ❤️

— Betsy Ross (@realbetsyross) June 6, 2025

Neat to see Hegseth give them the respect they deserve.

— News Nomad (@The_Nomad_News) June 6, 2025

The continuous respect we owe these men is tremendously important. @PeteHegseth is the man to convey it. Thank you sir.

— David P. Huebner (@Huebner4NebrCD3) June 6, 2025

In remembrance of the brave men who stormed the beaches of Normandy this day 81 years ago #DDay #OperationOverLord #lestweforget pic.twitter.com/xKsGcoKEdF

— Lisa (@aquitainexox) June 6, 2025

Never forget.

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