The beaches of Normandy in France, now a quiet memorial to the many who paid with their lives in one of the biggest military encounters in the history of warfare, will forever be a reminder that the blood spilt there to protect freedom came from people from all walks of life and nationalities. It was a combined effort of supreme sacrifice that helped to create much of the freedom enjoyed today by so many.

Gentle waves still cover the sand where so many heroes gave their all, knowing that what they were doing was vital in the preservation of freedom for millions around the world. During that crucial battle, the world held its breath to await news of the outcome, fully aware that the future was at stake for all mankind.

Although there were staggering losses on both sides in the early hours of the Normandy invasion known as D-Day, when the smoke began to clear, the Allies knew the scales had turned in their favour, even though many battles were yet to come before the enemy would surrender.

More than 70 years have passed since that fateful event of global significance, and much of the world is still trying to learn that unity and tolerance between various cultures and religions is still the only way towards global peace.

In the present climate of political confusion over significant international differences, people are once again wondering whether any lessons have been learnt from the massive loss of life from two world wars, and subsequent conflicts that continue to destroy the lives of countless innocent men, women and children in troubled regions. Of deep concern throughout much of the world is the new administration in America, which seems to be wobbling in a manner that was not expected from a nation described as the most powerful on Earth.

A general observation by numerous experts is that the new president, Donald Trump, in the face of mounting criticism over his policies is determined to run the nation as though it is just another business venture. His faithful support base shows no signs yet of abandoning their choice for president, even though some members of his own party have expressed dismay over his handling of a number of issues.

The White House should be the place for unity among key administrative staff, but apparently that is not the case, with countless clashing statements from the President and information issued by White House staff during press briefings. Much of the political turmoil is a direct result of alleged interference by the Russians in the recent presidential election, which remains a matter under investigation.

It is interesting to note that high above the Earth inside the International Space Station, crew members from different countries are working diligently on hundreds of experiments that hopefully will benefit people of all nations in many ways. What is truly outstanding is how Americans and Russians work together as a team in space with the key objective of getting successful results.

An American astronaut interviewed on the space station was recently asked whether there was concern about controversial issues between their countries miles below. He did not hesitate in saying that on board the space station, the thrill of working together outweighs any negative distractions on Earth. It would be great if that degree of co-operation could be implemented on earth with leaders of different nations treating our planet as a giant space ship in our solar system.

Just as those aboard the International Space Station are watchful that equipment is maintained at a high standard to keep the ship functioning for the crew on board, here on Earth the same attention should be given to concerns about climate change by all nations in protecting our environment for future generations.

The health and safety of the planet should rise above economic objectives purely to benefit this or that political group. In this area there are lessons yet to be learnt by some with the authority to decide whether steps are taken to reduce emissions from various factory outlets, which scientists the world over have concluded is a contributing factor in climate change, with ice melting in the Arctic at an alarming rate and many places experiencing unusual weather conditions.

The need for unity is urgent in dealing with this matter, and when the most powerful nation on Earth chooses to back away from collective efforts from almost 200 countries to tackle climate change, that need for unity becomes critical.

Without a change in that attitude, the answer for the future could very well be blowing in the wind.