Senator Hagan Reflects on 70th Anniversary of D-Day

Statement

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today released the following statement to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

"Seventy years ago today, nearly 160,000 Allied servicemembers bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy against tremendous odds. The invasion succeeded because of the young men's courage under fire and their steadfast belief in democratic freedom. On that day, men like Rock Merritt, who deployed with Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne, landed in Normandy with one mission: to fight for their country, their freedoms and for people they had never met. Many men died that day, but their valor turned the tides of WWII. The servicemembers who survived and returned home formed a legacy of courage and an unwavering dedication to the protection of our nation that is strongly upheld by the military men and women currently serving in uniform.

"Their legacy is not forgotten. Today, Rock Merritt is widely known across Fort Bragg - for his courage and his selflessness, but also because 70 years later, at 91-years-old, Rock still spends his time speaking to the young men and women of his beloved 82nd Airborne who are carrying on his fight to protect the freedoms we hold dear. On this national day of remembrance, we honor Rock and the brave young men who fought valiantly to free Europe and protect America."

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