[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 65 (Monday, May 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. GARY A. FRANKS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 1994

  Mr. FRANKS of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the 
fiftieth anniversary of the invasion of Nazi-occupied Normandy by 
Allied forces during World War II. It would not be hyperbole to call 
the D-Day invasion one of the greatest events in the history of freedom 
and democracy, and time has not minimized the importance of this event 
to America.
  The D-Day invasion epitomized America at its greatest: dedicated 
patriots who chose to fight, not for nationalistic glory, but for the 
defense of freedom over Fascism. The men who died on Omaha Beach, Utah 
Beach, and inland points in France gave their lives knowing that their 
ultimate sacrifice was an expression of good against evil.
  I also want to recognize those behind the scenes--the people who 
designed and produced the equipment, the people who organized the 
invasion, and those who in small ways contributed to the Allied 
victory. Never before or since has our country been so united for a 
common cause. We should especially remember those who died in secrecy 
preparing the way for the invasion. Their efforts were exceptional. 
Finally, we need to salute the decisiveness of General Eisenhower and 
the leadership of President Roosevelt. Their strength of character 
highlights the pettiness of Hitler and by recognizing this event fifty 
years after it occurred, we make our younger Americans aware of the 
sacrifices veterans made for their country on this mission. I hope that 
those Americans who were not alive on D-Day pause a moment to reflect 
on the sacrifices of those who died on this day. We hope that another 
threat to freedom as aggressive as Hitler's Germany never comes again, 
but if this should happen, I hope that America will emulate those who 
served our Nation on this day.

                          ____________________