under german rule and woke l up with the americans. danielle's mum made her a star—spangled dress out of us service men's parachutes found in a field. she became a symbol in pigtails of their everlasting gratitude. translation: if it hadn't been for the americans, l what would have become of us? since the second world war, europe has relied on the us to have its back in terms of security. these brave men helped forge the transatlantic alliance — their president today said it was stronger than ever. but with us elections around the corner, europe knows it can't take anything for granted. katya adler, bbc news, normandy. earlier, i spoke to retired colonel brendan kearney, a former chief of staff of us marine corps forces in europe and africa. during his tour, he worked extensively with the us european command and nato.