[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY: REMEMBERING THE SACRIFICE

                                 ______


                           HON. TERRY EVERETT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 1994

  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, on June 6, 1994, Americans all across this 
Nation will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Allied offensive on 
the beaches of Normandy, France, during World War II. This even marked 
the beginning of the end of the tyranny of Nazi rule and was key to the 
Allied victory in Europe. Many Alabamians were engaged in this struggle 
where many valiant individuals gave their lives for the preservation of 
freedom and democracy. They did not seek glory--they marched behind the 
resplendent banner of freedom, and fought to preserve that freedom for 
future generations.
  In commemoration of the sacrifice of Alabamians on D-Day, the Alabama 
State House of Representatives and Senate adopted a special resolution 
on May 6 which specifically designates June 6, 1994, as Alabama and 
National D-Day Remembrance Day. I applaud the Alabama Legislature for 
taking this action to remember this extra special day in the history of 
America and the free world and I have included the text of the 
resolution in the Record.
  There is an inscription on a war memorial in Arlington National 
Cemetery that reads: ``Not for fame or reward, not for place or rank, 
not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity, but in simple obedience 
to duty as they understood it.'' As benefactors of their courage and 
sacrifice, the task falls to us to ensure that future generations know 
that the price of freedom is high. The freedom that we now enjoy was 
purchased with the blood of thousands that have gone before--from the 
first shots fired in the Revolution to the Persian Gulf war--and we 
cannot let the world forget the loss of life that was required to guard 
this heritage of liberty we all hold so dear.

                      Senate of Alabama Resolution

       Whereas, June 6, 1994, marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of D-
     Day, the day of the beginning of the Allied assault at 
     Normandy, France, during World War II; and
       Whereas, the D-Day assault, known as Operation Overload, 
     was the most extensive amphibious operation ever to occur, 
     involving on the first day of the operation five thousand 
     ships, over eleven thousand sorties of Allied aircraft, and 
     one hundred fifty-three thousands American, British, and 
     Canadian troops; and
       Whereas, five separate beaches were assaulted, with 
     American forces commanded by Lieutenant General Omar Bradley 
     and British and Canadian forces commanded by General Miles 
     Dempsey; and
       Whereas, many Alabamians were involved in the attack on 
     ``Omaha'' and ``Utah'' beaches and many American troops 
     suffered significant losses during the assault, including 
     over six thousand five hundred casualties; and
       Whereas, the D-Day assault was among the most critical 
     events of World War II, with the success of the Allied 
     landings in Normandy providing the foothold for the 
     liberation of France and the eventual Allied breakthrough 
     into Germany and leading ultimately to the Allied victory in 
     Europe; and
       Whereas, June 6, 1994, is one of the most significant dates 
     in the lives of Alabama's World War II veterans and in the 
     history of the United States; now therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both Houses thereof 
     concurring, That June 6, 1994, is designated as Alabama and 
     National D-Day Remembrance Day, and the Governor 
     is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling 
     upon the people of Alabama to observe that day with 
     appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and to 
     participate in remembrance with national ceremonies. Be it 
     further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate is directed to 
     transmit copies of this resolution to the entire Alabama 
     Congressional Delegation.

                          ____________________