[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 69 (Tuesday, June 7, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, in the spirit of the celebration of the 
50th anniversary of D-day, and the turning point of World War II, I 
want to extend a personal note of gratitude to all of the veterans who 
will be gathering today in the towns across America, and the world, to 
celebrate 50 years of freedom and to reflect on the tremendous 
sacrifice that it took to win that freedom. This week's events remind 
us of the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice that our Armed 
Forces have offered on behalf of our great Nation.
  World War II was the most violent armed conflict in the history of 
mankind. While World War II continues to absorb the interest of 
military scholars and historians, as well as veterans, a generation of 
Americans has grown to maturity largely unaware of the political, 
social, and military implications of a war that, more than any other, 
united us as a people with a common purpose.
  In one day, 50 years ago, 156,000 American, British, Canadian, Free 
French, and Polish troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and engaged 
in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. From the air and from 
the sea, soldiers stormed ashore along 60 miles of beach in one of the 
greatest amphibious operations in the history of mankind. The Allies 
had launched their campaign to liberate France and overthrow Nazi 
Germany.
  Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commander of the Germans' coastal 
defenses in northern France, had often told his subordinates that if 
the Allies were not thrown back into the sea in the first 24 hours of 
their invasion, it would all be over for Nazi Germany. Eleven months 
later Rommel's prediction came true.
  The Allied victory did not come without great cost. Thousands of 
young Americans lost their lives fighting for our freedom, and the 
freedom of Europe. Millions of American families were torn apart by the 
war. It took a combined effort as a nation to support, fight, and win 
World War II. So it is fitting, that with great respect and gratitude 
for those who gave all of their tomorrow for our today, that we pay 
tribute to them exactly 50 years after the great turning point in World 
War II occurred.
  We must never forget their daring acts of heroism, but more 
importantly, we must never forget what it was they valued so much that 
they were willing to give up their lives. The death and sacrifice of 
veterans who fought in World War II has bought our Nation 50 years of 
freedom.
  Mr. President, I went to Normandy to celebrate the American spirit 
which brought the Allies to victory in World War II. I went with pride 
on behalf of all New Mexicans, but especially on behalf of New Mexican 
veterans and their families who fought and died to secure our freedom. 
I thought of all of them during my trip. As a U.S. Senator from New 
Mexico I want to pay tribute to all the American families who 
participated in the great triumph and personally made tremendous 
sacrifice to win our freedom during World War II.

                          ____________________