Perhaps it is time for European leaders to pay a visit to Normandy Beach to remind themselves what the United States has been willing

Perhaps it is time for European leaders to pay a visit to Normandy Beach to remind themselves what the United States has been willing to undertake in the name of freedom. There, high above the sea at Omaha Beach is a cemetery where thousands of American soldiers are buried. They gave their lives to rid Europe of Nazi oppression and set the continent free.

It is due to American courage and generosity that countries like France and Germany are today free and vibrant democracies. For if it were not for the United States, the United Kingdom and their allies during World War II, Europe would have remained under the dictatorial boot of the Nazis for generations.

And World War II was not the first time that the United States has been willing to spill its blood in Europe so that others might be free. There was World War I before that. And for 50 years after World War II, Europe was able to thrive under the protection of the United States when it confronted and defeated Communism. And more recently there was the US-led coalition that ended the tyranny of Slobodan Milosevic in Bosnia.

People may forget; some countries in Europe may also forget. But we, the Albanians, do not forget.

We all should visit Normandy. We should all pay homage to those brave Americans who stormed ashore at Omaha Beach and gave their lives for the freedom of others. The wonder of it all is that the Americans are willing to do it again. And this time, again, they are not alone.

Fatos Nano, Prime Minister, Tirana, Albania

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person which almost went unnoticed last week.