A Hero Returns to Normandy
A Hero Returns to Normandy -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 08, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2004
Mr. LATOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday the world marked the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. President Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and other world leaders were there, but the true heroes were those whose sacrifice is reflected by the sea of white
crosses, and the surviving veterans who returned to France some six decades later. Glen Dunlap, 86, of Chardon Township was one of those veterans to return to Normandy.
Glen Dunlap served as a U.S. Army staff sergeant in World War II. There were a number of young guys who served from our area, and from Hambden and Concord townships, particularly. Even though Glen was in his early 20s, Mr. Speaker, he was considered the elder statesman of the group. The local guys actually called him "Pop."
Glen Dunlap worked hard, put his own life in danger every single day, and had his men's backs. He was the guy who made sure that supplies got from the factory to the foxhole, and he's part of what Tom Brokaw calls "The Greatest Generation." Glen was away at war for 2 years, and left behind his wife, a daughter and his two boys. When he returned home, he resumed his life and work, raised his family, and never once complained. He felt blessed to have survived when so many didn't.
On Saturday, Glen and 99 other Americans who traveled to Normandy were awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, which is akin to our Congressional Medal of Honor. It is the highest honor bestowed by the French government and rarely is given to foreigners.
No one is more deserving of this award than Glen Dunlap, who fought for the survival of democracy. On behalf of the 14th Congressional District of Ohio, I thank Glen Dunlap for his service to our country, and congratulate him on receiving the Legion of Honor Medal. May God bless Glen Dunlap and his family, and may He bless the United States of America.
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