The first week in June was one of two critical anniversaries in world history. One was D-Day, seventy-five years ago over 20,000 men died attacking and defending the beaches and the inland. The allied side was mainly from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Refugees from occupied Europe and the French and United Kingdom colonies participated. On the other side were German, Ukrainian, and other occupied countries’ soldiers.

Alternative historians are people who look at what would have happened if something hadn’t happened the way it did. They make a strong argument that the allies’ greatest contribution was causing Hitler to keep a few hundred thousand troops on the West Wall area in case we landed. Their point is the Russians would have defeated the Germans in another year. I believe had we not, the iron curtain would have been the English Channel and the U.S.S.R. would still exist.

June 4 was the thirtieth anniversary of the end of the Tienanmen Square Demonstrations for more freedoms in China. For weeks average citizens camped out on the park gaining in numbers and support around the country. The moderate Chinese Communist leaders were allowing the demonstrations to slowly open up the society. The old conservatives couldn’t tolerate the openness and finally persuaded the moderates to end the demonstrations. The resulting use of the military by conservative generals caused the death of thousands of demonstrators to the horror of the moderates.

Both events are in the history books. One is recorded as a great victory and the other as a failed attempt in true democracy. I hope both will be remembered by future people as to their importance. Today thousands are on the D-Day beaches and the Chinese army is keeping everyone away from Tienanmen Square.