As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the Israel-Hamas conflict rages, and other geopolitical hot spots are simmering, it seems as if the world is on fire. These current events serve as reminders of the magnitude of upheaval experienced nearly 80 years ago.

The sacrifices made by those who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and others who fought in various theaters of war resonate deeply. Their bravery and dedication, in both that conflict and others, have often gone unrecognized in our daily lives. The Normandy landings symbolize the triumph of humanity’s commitment to fundamental values such as dignity, liberty and the rule of law — principles upon which our nation was founded.

Perhaps the greatest symbol and spiritual gathering place of the freedoms and protections we enjoy today is the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home.

I served on the site and design committee to create the Memorial and it was one of the greatest honors of my life. We felt the weight of the duty on our shoulders to get the Memorial right to honor not only our World War II veterans, but also to inspire future generations who would visit it.

Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th century, the Memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It inspires future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy.

The Memorial, as with any public structure, needs continual repair and maintenance. It is only one of many memorials for which the National Park Service is responsible. It is the mission of Friends of the National World War II Memorial to focus solely on this Memorial, its needs, and the educational/programming opportunities associated with it.

In this regard, there is good news — Friends of the National World War II Memorial has been given new resources to carry on this mission through the proceeds from the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, coins that are available for purchase through the federal mint. The coins have been designed to commemorate the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American people during the Second World War using images from the Memorial. The organization plays an integral and vital role in educating the American public about World War II; preserving and maintaining the National World War II Memorial; and facilitating key commemorative programs to pay a fitting tribute to America’s “Greatest Generation.”

Proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to ensure educational and commemorative programming remains robust and substantial, as well as to help assist the National Park Service in the care and maintenance of the Memorial.

I hope Americans purchase many commemorative coins so the Memorial can stand the test of time and educational programming and commemorative events at the Memorial will continue so our younger generations understand the lessons of yesterday to unite together today and tomorrow.

Rolland Kidder is a former member of the New York Assembly and the American Battle Monuments Commission.