Remembering 2 giants

They were both grossly underestimated.\nFor D-Day -- the June 6, 1944, invasion of Europe, which easily was one of the most important military operations of World War II -- the underestimation grew from the fact that much could go wrong, and much was at risk. \nGerman soldiers fortified Normandy, France, and expected an attempt to recapture occupied France, but the timing of the invasion took them by surprise. Allied soldiers fought and reclaimed the beaches of Normandy and unquestionably helped turn the course of the war in Europe toward our favor.\nFor Ronald Reagan -- the 40th president of the United States who died Saturday at the age of 93, a tragic relief after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease -- the underestimation stemmed from his former career as an actor and the notion that he was a simpleton or a political lightweight. \nBut he revolutionized the Republican Party, winning the California governorship twice and defeating President Carter in 1980 and Walter Mondale in 1984 for the White House. Politics and the American way of life changed considerably with Reagan's influence.\nNow we know those who underestimated D-Day and Reagan have only themselves to blame.\nIt is strangely appropriate two of the few giants of the 20th century would be commemorated in the same weekend. They are two giants symbolizing monumental shifts in the course of history we simply cannot ignore.\nD-Day, which many students are only familiar with through history classes, epitomizes our romanticism with the heroics of war. It was a day of profound bravery and undeniable sacrifice, when the free world saw what free men could do for the cause of liberty. \nStudents today were not alive for D-Day but are living in a world reaping with the benefits of the mission accomplished in 1944. There has not been another day like it -- and God willing -- there will never need to be another day like it again.\nPresident Reagan leaves an indelible thumbprint in politics and American life. Most current students grew up during the Reagan administration, and their memories are sometimes fuzzy, at best. \nLove or hate his politics, there are people who feel strongly on both sides. People almost always enjoyed the man -- with a powerfully optimistic outlook, an affable appearance and a reassuring, grandfatherly demeanor. Much of his success is attributed not to his attention of detail or an ability to micromanage (for which he was never known) but rather attributed to an uncanny ability to reach through the television and understand Americans, lending to his famous nickname "The Great Communicator." \nHe enjoyed strong bipartisan electoral success from the American people, and today they mourn him equally in that same bipartisan spirit.\nTogether, the memories of D-Day and President Reagan help illuminate the best of America.