On this solemn anniversary of D-Day, we honor the immense sacrifice made by the Allied forces to liberate Western Europe from tyranny. Yet, Senator Mitch McConnell’s editorial in the New York Times transforms this commemoration into a troubling call for increased military aggression.

McConnell invokes the poignant words of President Ronald Reagan, who, standing on the cliffs of Normandy, paid tribute to “the boys of Pointe du Hoc.” These brave soldiers fought because they had to, not because they sought conflict. But McConnell uses their memory to advocate for heightened military spending and interventionism.

His narrative suggests America and its allies are once again facing existential threats comparable to those of the Axis powers. He points to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, China’s rise, and the bellicose actions of North Korea and Iran as justifications for utilizing America’s “hard power.” It’s music to the ears of his defense industry lobbyist donors. But this rhetoric dangerously conflates the threat posed by Nazi Germany with contemporary geopolitical tensions, most of which have emanated from long-standing U.S. interventionist foreign policy, not from isolationism, as he suggests.

Endless military expansion does not equate to genuine security. Instead, it often leads to unnecessary conflicts, draining resources that could be better used to address domestic needs.

As we reflect on the sacrifices of D-Day, it is crucial to remember that these heroes fought to end a war, not to perpetuate a cycle of conflict. Senator McConnell’s exploitation of their memory to advocate for more war undermines the true legacy of their bravery. Instead of expanding military budgets and pursuing aggressive foreign policies, we should honor their sacrifice by striving for peace.

The true lesson of D-Day is not that war is inevitable but that it is a last resort. Let us honor the fallen by committing to a world where war is a rare and regrettable exception, not a foregone conclusion, nor an exciting endeavor.