[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]

 
                REGARDING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, the English Channel laps against the French 
shore in endless waves of grey. I would like to speak for a moment 
about a time within my memory when those same waves were grey with the 
steel of ships, and far too often red with the blood of brave men.
  Fifty years ago at this moment, the world awaited history's most 
fearsome storm. Across the island called England, on parade grounds and 
airfields, at piers and in countless headquarters, Americans prepared 
to once again put themselves in harm's way for the defense of liberty.
  They were our pride, those kids, these men. They came from places 
called Omaha, and Utah. And they traveled thousands of miles to 
unfamiliar places with those same familiar names, to offer their lives 
that others might breathe free.
  They came not for personal gain nor glory. They came, simply, to 
remove a fearful shadow which had descended upon Europe, and which 
threatened to engulf the world.
  In liberation's armada came every sort of American, diverse in 
background but united in purpose. Their task was by no means assured. 
Victory would require the defeat of the most successful armed force 
then operating, in many cases on its home terrain, operating with short 
lines of communication and supply.
  But no foe is so inspiring as unambiguous evil. And no task so 
rousing as fighting for one's buddies, one's nation, and indeed one's 
world. American troops bent themselves to that task with relentless 
precision, inventiveness, and will. And with their very lives.
  The Allied triumph led by America not only freed the Old World, it 
led to a new one. The end of the war brought an economic boom in which 
American democracy and American-style market economies became the 
standard against which all others are measured.
  As we watch the celebrations of their valor, and the reunions of 
buddies now older in body but still courageous of spirit, we remember 
also those who gave the last full measure of devotion. If ever you hear 
America's dedication to freedom questioned; if ever someone says that 
ours is a selfish or introspective nation, mention simply this: From 
just one tiny town in Virginia--Bedford--11 neighbors came to free 
Europe from tyranny. And, neighbors still, they now lie together 
beneath the emerald grass of France.
  Mr. President, this country owes much to those, some in this body, 
who took upon themselves the duty of representing in body the ideals of 
freedom. They were our pride--and so they remain, even today.

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