Now and then, American forces make their way across the Mühl river as part of the Allied fight in Europe during World War II, 1945

Now and then, American forces make their way across the Mühl river as part of the Allied fight in Europe during World War II, 1945

World War II is notable for heroic themes, haunting events, and the actions of both good and evil people. In many ways, the war questions the human condition as a whole. Are we born to follow? To lead? To fight? To defy? To exterminate? To kill? To preserve and save? Are we born to do all of these things if the environment and time accommodate these actions? What and who are we? The war saw many different events that made people question if there truly were a God(s). From the extermination of different groups of people to the dropping of the atomic bombs and to the darkness that was taking over Europe, many began to question if the creator of this planet was an insane, twisted, and faceless being who was beginning to cause the end of humanity. Some could argue, this was mankind's darkest hour. However, if the war did prove anything, it was that there were men and women, all over the world who dared to look death in the eyes and smile. Some of these people cried while doing it, some laughed, and some closed their eyes. But they charged at it, unknowing if they would live. Some did survive and others didn't. But all of them were willing to put their lives on the line to defend the world of tomorrow from the evils that were spreading throughout the world. If it meant that the children of tomorrow could hear the birds sing peacefully, without having to ever worry about being discriminated against, oppressed, or hated, then it was worth the sacrifice. Men and women, who did not know me or you, sacrificed themselves for the world we live in now. And while it may not be perfect, and while it may be forever changing, all we can do is defend what we have, fight for what we want, and share our victories. The picture is just one example of the efforts that the Allies displayed during the war as a whole.