Congressman Young Shares His Thoughts on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day

Press Release

Alaskan Congressman Don Young today shared this message on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy:

"70-years ago today, one of the most important military operations in our nation's history commenced, D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. What began as an overnight invasion by paratroopers, quickly mounted into a full amphibious invasion along 50-miles of fortified French coastline by as many as 156,000 Allied troops, half of which were American.

"To the beaches of Normandy -- Omaha, Juno, Gold, Utah and Sword -- thousands of our bravest soldiers embarked on a mission to beat back Nazi Germany in order to establish a critical launching point for Allied forces entering continental Europe. The Allies achievements on that fateful first day came at tremendous costs, with as many as 12,000 Allied troops losing their lives. Their sacrifice was not for nothing; by year's end nearly 1 million Allied soldiers would enter the European mainland through Normandy to begin a long crusade to defeat Hitler and Nazi Germany.

"As General Dwight D. Eisenhower famously said in a message to the troops prior to the invasion, words which are now enshrined on the walls of the WWII monument in Washington, D.C., "You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle.'

"On the 70th anniversary of these remarkable efforts by American and Allied troops, I encourage Alaskans and Americans alike to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these members of our greatest generation on D-Day. Today, we honor the thousands of Americans who so bravely fought to end tyranny from Nazi Germany and close a very dark chapter in our world's history.

"As our nation's protectors and defenders of freedom, these American heroes placed their lives on the line in defense of something much greater than themselves. I am proud to honor our veterans on this special day and take a moment to remember the countless of American soldiers who never returned from the battlefield. May their service and sacrifice continue to inspire us all, and may we look proudly upon their gift of freedom."

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