Not since Clark Griswold crossed the pond has one American sent Europe into such a tizzy. Ironically, I spent a good chunk of yesterday with a man who also made a difference in Europe- a long time ago.

His name is Byron Butler. A few months past his 86th birthday, Byron reminds me of every good man who ever served as a role model in my life. He was the guest of honor at our talk show party at Baumhower's yesterday. People drove in from all directions to stop by and meet this wry and spry fella, and thank him for his service to our country during World War II.

Byron's European trip was no vacation. He was on board the battle ship Nevada (after it had been salvaged following the attack on Pearl Harbor) off the shores of Cherbourg, France, when the Allies began the liberation of Europe on D-Day.

Byron lost many friends during the war and still feels that pain when he remembers them over 60 years later. "We did what had to be done and that was that", he says- deflecting personal praise in lieu of crediting all Americans who helped prevail in WWII. He has not forgotten those who supplied the troops with the tools they needed, and made sacrifices on the home front. 

Obama, who seems to think World History began with his birth, recently admonished Americans on the issue of bi-lingualism- noting that most Germans, French and Italians speak English as a second language.

Had it not been for the courage of the Byron Butlers and all his compatriots in the Greatest Generation, most of Europe- maybe even America- would be speaking one language- German.

Byron Butler did his part to make sure that did not happen.

He had never been on the radio prior to his first appearance on July 3rd. Now he's got a fan club! Yesterday, I watched dozens of people walk up to this wonderful man and give him a hug along with their thanks. It was touching, but no amount of affection will heal the hole in his heart left by the passing of his wife a few years ago. Still, he smiled relentlessly on an afternoon dedicated to him, and his peers whose numbers diminish with each passing day.

Nobody thanked them better than Ronald Reagan did on the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Europe. This video should be required viewing for Americans- and Europeans. The Greatest Generation made Barack Obama's appearance in  Germany possible. Here's the link- have a great weekend!