Echoes of the Past: How World War II Still Resonates in Our Lives

When the guns fell silent in 1945, marking the end of World War II, it wasn't just the end of a global war—it was the beginning of a new era in human history.? The war changed our country and the world in ways that we still feel today. Indeed, the war changed more than just the borders on the maps—it changed people, cultures, and it even changed the way we think about ourselves.

"The U.S. has, since the end of World War II, had an answer,” Condoleezza Rice said. “We stand for free peoples and free markets, we are willing to support and defend them - we will sustain a balance of power that favors freedom.”

The end of World War II was nearly 8 decades ago, yet somehow it doesn't quite seem like it's all in the past.? Indeed, if we really consider its enduring impact, it’s clear that the legacy of World War II continues to permeate our everyday lives. Historian Stephen Ambrose noted the transformational impact of the war on global dynamics:

“World War II created a new world, an interconnected world, a world where what happens in Asia can affect Europe, and what happens in Europe can affect the Americas. It really marked the beginning of the global age.”

As we approach this 80th Anniversary milestone, now is a good time for all of us to look at how the war still influences who we are, what we believe, and how we see the world around us.

Personal Family Stories

In the quiet corners of family gatherings, the stories of World War II are still being told.? It’s not just in the history books or on memorial plaques; it’s about the personal stories that families keep alive, the kind you hear from your grandfather, not from a history teacher—shared between grandparents and grandchildren, aunts, and uncles, knit together the fabric of family history with threads of heroism and hardship. They foster a sense of identity and continuity, bridging the past with the present.

They are stories from the battlefronts and the homefront. Growing up, I had the privilege of hearing these stories from World War II veterans who frequented our family's car dealership. Listening to them was like hearing reviews for an action-packed thriller. Now, years later, I find myself wishing I had paid closer attention, asked more questions, so I could capture every detail. While those details have faded with time, the faces of those veterans and the lessons they imparted remain vivid in my memory.? They were master storytellers, and they were my personal heroes.

Memory is a powerful thing.? Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel spoke about the broader implications of the war on human rights and memory:

“Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.”

Stephen Ambrose, known for his books on World War II, often recounted the experiences of veterans he interviewed. One such story involves Joe Dawson, who stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. Dawson, later featured in Ambrose’s book D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II, recounted his feelings and observations as he landed under heavy fire. He vividly described the chaos, his fears, and the brotherhood among soldiers. Ambrose used Dawson’s firsthand account to bring the realities of D-Day to life for his readers, showing the human side of history that is often lost in broader historical narratives.

It’s through these stories, told over and over again, that families understand their own histories. They shape values and mold character, showing us not just who we are but who we can strive to be. And as these stories are handed down, they remind us that history isn’t just something that happens; it’s something that represents us, identifies us, and provides hope. They keep the past in conversation with the present, teaching us, in the most human way possible, how to face the seemingly insurmountable challenges of our own time, making sense of today.

That same amount of time, 40 years, has passed.? This June, we will be observing the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.? All of the veterans of the raid on Pointe Du Hoc have since passed away.? But other D-Day veterans remain, and will be visiting Normandy for the final time.

This represents a unique opportunity for each of us—as organizations, as members of a team—and as individuals.? 119,000 World War II veterans remain, but they are leaving us at a rate of 131 per day.? When they are gone, how will we remember them?? We have museums and memorials and ceremonies that honor their memory, but it is their stories that resonate the most.? When these veterans are no longer with us, who will tell their stories?

At The World War II Foundation, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of our World War II veterans and the Greatest Generation. By highlighting the enduring impact and crucial lessons of the war, we ensure that these stories continue to resonate, inspire, and educate future generations. Those who listen closely to these lessons will find themselves enlightened and better equipped to handle their own path ahead.