BAYEAUX, France —What Europe thinks of the U.S. or even if their opinion is relevant is a common topic in the popular media, particularly on cable news. And most of it paints a chilly relationship with Europe, save England.There’s no question America’s reputation has taken a hit during the last decade or so. But Saturday’s commemoration of the Allied invasion of Normandy highlighted an America at the height of its popularity. It also offered further proof that the tides are shifting as most Europeans alter the way they see America.From the humbling American Cemetery (featured in the opening of Saving Private Ryan) to the still-standing gun batteries at Longues-sur-Mer, the cities and towns around the beaches of Normandy were inundated with World War II re-enactors and enthusiasts.Every town’s the streets were blanketed with Allied flags. From casual observation, it seemed as though the frequency of American flags kept pace with those of the French.Hardly what one would expect to find in France, according to the stereotype.Buses don’t run very well between all the sites, so a visitor may find himself doing a bit of walking. It’s hard not to feel like you’re in a scene from Band of Brothers, with the long expanses of wheat, old churches and barns. The effect is compounded by the surprising number of restored Jeeps and military transports, all shuttling passengers in period-style fatigues.One thing is particularly striking. Though they don their uniforms, few are from the countries that made up the invading force.Rather, the vast majority hail from the occupied European countries — the first member of Easy Company I encountered spoke a thick Spanish.D-Day represents a time when America’s reputation was at its height — a time when its motives were unquestionably for justice and liberty.This is the America that brings them to Normandy year after year.What set this year’s events apart was the visit of President Obama. Coming from a speech in Cairo meant to repair America’s image in Muslim countries, the President has been seeking to accomplish a similar goal in Europe.One of Obama’s main points was to emphasize the incredible cooperation and collaboration that was necessary to storm the beaches and release Hitler’s grip on Europe.There are still many evils and common challenges in the world that need similar measures of teamwork to combat.Whether in galvanizing support or targeting their manifestations, today’s evils pose unique challenges in diplomacy (it’s hard to imagine an inciting incident like Pearl Harbor for global warming).Americans should recognize that international cooperation — with Europeans viewing the U.S. Government as competent — is central to ending Al-Queda or providing potable water to third world countries.And judging by the enthusiasm of the crowds this year in Normandy, it seems as though the image of America minted on June 6,1945 may be returning.It’s an image epitomized by the sacrifice made on the beaches and carved in the sea of crosses and Stars of David in the American Cemetery.Obama’s popularity has clearly stirred excitement among people from all over the world. Whether or not individuals are in line with his policies, they cannot deny the marked shift in foreign attitudes his presidency brings. As his critics point out, his presidency’s success must be based on tangible acheivements. But judging by the eagerness of leaders like Nicholas Sarkozy to be included in his photo-ops, these are surely on the horizon.Mark Macmurdo is a 22-year-old economics and history major from Baton Rouge. —–Contact Mark Macmurdo at [email protected]