Today marks a very important anniversary: it was sixty-four years ago today that President Harry S. Truman signed the Economic Recovery Program (ERP) – better known as “The Marshall Plan” – into law.
At the close of World War II, leaders of America’s Greatest Generation, like General George C. Marshall, understood that economic collapse in Europe wasn’t only a heart-wrenching humanitarian crisis, it was a threat to our nation’s security. With the Soviet army stationed to the East, and the strength of local Communist parties rising elsewhere in the world, Americans recognized that investing in Europe was crucial to preventing the spread of Communism. Through diplomacy and development, the Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe, bringing roads, schools, jobs, and hope to a shattered continent. Our award winning ad, “Tell ‘Em Joe Sent You,” demonstrates how we can put these same lessons to work today to prevent a nuclear Iran, support stability in Afghanistan, and ensure food security in the Horn of Africa.
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Diplomacy and development sixty years ago laid the groundwork for American strength and leadership today. We must ensure future American greatness by protecting the security tools that made us strong in the first place.
So today, on this important anniversary, keep in mind the lessons we learned from the Greatest Generation — and remind others of them on Facebook, Twitter, and, yes, in person. At a time when some in Congress would see the International Affairs budget recklessly cut, now is a more important time than ever to talk loud and clear about how development and democracy continue to keep America safe.
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