On June 6, 1944, 160,000 young men showed the world what courage looks like.
During World War II, Allied troops landed in Normandy to storm the beaches and begin the liberation of Western Europe.
Changing history as we know it.
These weren’t hardened warriors. They were kids.
The average age of these brave men was just 22.
Some reports say even younger.
They should’ve been worried about dates, jobs and college.
Instead, they were fighting for freedom and willing to die for something bigger than themselves.
They stormed the beaches of Normandy that day knowing full well they might not make it home.
What they carried wasn’t just gear. It was the weight of a generation’s future.
They didn’t become those kind of men by accident.
They were shaped by the times they lived through…and the values they were raised with.
They had purpose beyond comfort.
These young men understood that some things are worth fighting for. Freedom. Family. Future generations. They didn’t fight for likes or views or validation. They fought for principles.
They had brotherhood.
They weren’t going to war alone. They were part of something bigger. They trusted the man next to them and knew he trusted them back. That bond made them unstoppable.
They had been prepared for hardship.
Most of these boys grew up during the Great Depression. They knew struggle. They’d been tested by life before they were tested by war. Adversity made them stronger, not weaker.
They had clear leadership.
They knew their mission, trusted their commanders, and understood their role. No confusion. No mixed messages. Just clear direction and unwavering commitment.
But we’re fortunate enough that we don’t need a world war to teach this to our sons.
We just need to be intentional.
HERE’S HOW WE BUILD THOSE SAME QUALITIES IN OUR SONS TODAY:
Give them real challenges – Stop protecting them from every struggle. Let them fail, figure it out, and build real confidence through real achievement.
Teach them to serve something bigger – Whether it’s family, community, or mission – show them that life is about contribution, not consumption.
Build their brotherhood – Surround them with other strong men and boys who will challenge them to be better. Iron sharpens iron.
Model courage daily – They’re watching how you handle pressure, how you treat others, how you stand up for what’s right. Be the man you want them to become.
Those young men didn’t just save the world.
They showed us what’s possible when young men are raised with purpose, brotherhood, and unshakeable character.
We owe it to them – and to our sons – to carry ourselves accordingly and raise boys who would make them proud.
Talk soon,
Bedros Keuilian
P.S. If you’re ready to build those unbreakable father-son bonds and teach your boy what it means to be a man, I created the Squire Program for exactly that purpose. We take fathers and sons through experiences that build character, courage, and brotherhood.
