Rep. Maloney Heads to Normandy to Join New York Veterans for D-Day 70th Anniversary Observances

Interview

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) is a member of a Congressional Delegation headed for Normandy to honor the sacrifices made by American troops during the D-Day Invasion 70 years ago. On Friday, June 6, the delegation will take part in observances of the anniversary at Omaha Beach and Sword Beach, in which U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande will participate.

"It is an honor to join my colleagues, and several New York veterans to honor the tremendous sacrifices made at the Normandy Beaches 70 years ago," said Maloney. "During the Normandy landings, members of the American military and Allied Forces descended on the shores of France ready to die in order to rid France and the world of the genocidal imperialism of the Nazi occupiers. Many of the men who stormed the beaches of Juno, Gold, Omaha and Sword paid the ultimate price. As we reflect on the freedom France and the rest of the world won as a result of D-Day, I am so grateful for the sacrifice and the bravery of the men who fought that fight and are still with us today. It is a privilege to stand with them and celebrate their service."

Several New York veterans will also take part in the observances:
Mr. Leo Cohen, New York, NY
Mr. Lawrence Friedland, New York, NY
Mr. John Trzaskos, Amsterdam, NY
Mr. Richard Baily, Johnson City, NY
Mr. Arnold Franco, New York
Mr. Jack Read, Brooklyn, New York
Mr. Stephen Weiss, Brooklyn, New York

On Tuesday, Maloney held an emotional ceremony at the VA Hospital in Manhattan to honor the bravery and service of veterans of World War II and those who stormed the beaches at Normandy in the fight to liberate France from Nazi occupation. Maloney, joined by NYC Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs Commissioner Terrance Holliday, awarded two veterans with Congressional Certificates and presented a number of military medals to one service member.

Congresswoman Maloney recognized local World War II and D-Day veterans, including Rocco Moretto, an Astoria native who fought at Normandy.

Rocco Moretto was in the U.S. Army Company C, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, better known as "The Big Red One." As a 19-year-old soldier, the Normandy invasion was the first action he saw, as part of the second wave of troops to storm Omaha Beach. He is one of just two men in his company who survived the war from Normandy until the Czechoslovakian liberation in 1945 without being killed, wounded or captured. Mr. Moretto also fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Rep. Maloney also presented a certificate to Commissioner Holliday in honor of his late father, Roderick Holliday, who was a Corporal in the U.S. Navy and was present at the invasion of Normandy.

Rep. Maloney also presented service medals to Gerald Alperstein, a constituent and Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was presented with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon and the Combat Action Ribbon. Mr. Alperstein is past legislative chair of the Jewish War Veterans and edits the organization's publication.

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