Commemorating the Veterans Who Participated in the Allied Landings at Normandy on D-Day

Floor Speech

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I am joined here today by my colleagues from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the French Caucus so that we may pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the American soldiers who landed at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944.

This marks the 70th anniversary of D-day. Next week, Members of the House will travel to Normandy to join President Obama and other Allied heads of state to honor and remember the heroism of ``the longest day.''

130,000 soldiers stormed the beaches at Normandy, long stretches with no cover from the enemy, fire that rained down from the hillsides above. Others parachuted or glided into the countryside, while at Pointe du Hoc, situated between Utah and Omaha, the 2nd Rangers climbed straight up the high cliffs, dodging gunfire and grenades and straight into the sights of the enemy cannons. It was a daunting, terrifying battlefield, but our troops answered the call with first-class bravery, and they got the job done as they always do.

The historic victory came at a price. The Allied casualties that June day were tragically high: 1,100 Canadians, 2,700 British, 15,000 to 20,000 Free French, and 6,000 Americans perished. Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their courage changed the very course of world history.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the World War II Memorial. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for the key role she played in ensuring it was built.

The memorial provides a place for solemn reflection and gives World War II veterans the chance to share their memories with each other as they participate and Honor Flights from across the country with their sons and daughters and grandchildren. A living piece of history.

The World War II Memorial and the Veterans History Projects are employing every tool possible to catalogue, preserve, and make these firsthand memories for future generations. This effort is very important because there is a story that we must never forget.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, to the sailors, soldiers, marines, and airmen who stormed the beaches, parachuted into the thorny hedgerows, scaled the cliffs, and fought their way inland, America and the world owes you, our Greatest Generation, a debt we can never repay. May God bless each and every one you, and may God bless the United States of America.

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