June 6, 2026, 4:28 p.mJune 6, 2026, 4:28 p.m
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Western allies to provide greater support to the US in defending peace and freedom. “Peace can only be secured through strength – through strength on both sides of the Atlantic, supported by operational readiness, shared military capabilities and an unshakable political will,” said Hegseth at the US cemetery in Collville-sur-Mer at the commemoration of the Allied landings in Normandy 82 years ago.
Pete Hegseth calls for more support for the USA.Image: keystone
“Our world is safer and more prosperous when the United States of America and our allies are strong, free and resolutely defend our Western tradition of freedom,” said Hegseth. “America will take the lead, and so must we. But capable allies must stand with us at crucial moments.”
Hegseth: Peace has to be fought for
In the years since the Normandy landings, much of the West has become comfortable. «We have forgotten that freedom is not free. We have forgotten that peace does not come from mere desires. It will be fought for with determination, honor and strength,” said the US minister. The men who landed on the beaches of Normandy knew this.
“Strong allies, all fully committed to doing their part, win wars.” The men buried in Normandy fought in a war alliance in which each partner contributed their full measure of energy, courage and willingness to sacrifice. “No empty slogans, no pompous summit meetings, no communiqués,” said Hegseth. His French counterpart Catherine Vautrin accompanied him at the memorial at the military cemetery. (hkl/sda/dpa)