June 7, 2025:  Chairman's Weekend Update

This week, I had the honor of delivering the weekly devotional to the Republican National Committee.

With the anniversary of D-Day falling on Thursday, the timing of that moment wasn’t lost on me.

Today’s message to you is drawn from that same reflection—one grounded in personal milestones, historical remembrance, and spiritual truth.

The first week of June has always held deep meaning in my life.

On June 4, I celebrated my 50th anniversary of graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy—an event that shaped my values and view of service. It’s also my sister's birthday, and June 5 marks my birthday.

These days are filled with personal memories, but also with solemn reflection—especially as we pause on June 6, the day that changed the course of world history: D-Day.

That day in 1944, over 150,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. The scale of the sacrifice was staggering: more than 20,000 casualties, tens of thousands of vehicles and equipment landed, and a foothold in Nazi-occupied Europe was secured.

But D-Day wasn’t just a triumph of military strategy—it was a triumph of faith, resolve, and divine providence.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander and later our 34th President, embodied that faith. In the days leading up to the invasion, he leaned on Scripture to encourage the troops.

He quoted verses from his personal West Point-issued King James Bible, which he carried with him not only through the war, but also to his Presidential inauguration, where he used that same Bible to take the oath of office in 1953.

He shared with the troops these powerful verses:

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” —Psalm 33:12

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” —Proverbs 21:31

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves… then will I hear from heaven...” —2 Chronicles 7:14

In his final D-Day message, Eisenhower said:

“Let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

Those words still speak to us today. We may not be landing on beaches, but we are engaged in another kind of fight—a cultural, political, and spiritual battle for the soul of this nation.

And while some of that battle takes place across the aisle, I’ve learned that many of the wounds we endure come from within.

To borrow a phrase from Shakespeare, we face not only opposition from without, but also “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” from within our own ranks. That’s painful—but not unexpected.

As I’ve come to see more clearly in my time as Chairman, politics isn’t for the faint of heart. But we have an anchor in God’s Word.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Like Nehemiah, who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls with sword in one hand and trowel in the other, we too are called to build and defend at the same time:

“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” —Nehemiah 4:14

The Republican Party of Minnesota is committed to rebuilding—not just a stronger political organization, but a moral and spiritual foundation rooted in truth, freedom, and faith. That’s a fight worth waging.

Let us never forget the cost of liberty, nor the duty that comes with it. And let us never neglect the power of prayer, as even the Apostle Paul reminded early Christians:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6

In closing, I share with you the prayer I offered at the RNC:

Almighty God, we remember the brave souls who stormed the beaches of Normandy and gave their lives for freedom. We ask Your blessing on all who serve today—in our military, in public service, and in the cultural battles of our time. Guide us, protect us, and give us strength for the road ahead. May we remain faithful to Your will, and may we never forget the price of liberty. Amen.

We are on the doorstep of restoring freedom and common sense to Minnesota.

Will you join us?

With gratitude, conviction, and faith,

Alex Plechash, Chairman

Republican Party of Minnesota