[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       50TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 1994

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I take this occasion to celebrate the 
50th anniversary of D-day. D-day, June 6, 1944 is arguably the most 
important day of the 20th century. The great sacrifices made by those 
at D-day and the World War II generation have given our Nation and the 
world our freedom and prosperity. It is the solemn responsibility of 
each subsequent generation to build on these brave efforts and leave 
the United States and the world a more free and prosperous place.
  In the simplest scenario, D-day was a day good triumphed over evil. 
However, in the real world, this triumph was secured at a very high 
cost for the American and other Allied soldiers whose bravery won the 
day.
  The fighting was brutal. The weather and bad luck put paratroopers 
off course. The choppy sea drowned men and sank tanks. Those who were 
lucky enough to reach the beach faced a withering hail of German 
bullets and shells. The casualty rate was high as our forces struggled 
mightily to create a foothold against Hitler's tyranny. In one American 
division, the 4th, 83 percent were killed or wounded after 11 months of 
battle.
  In the face of D-day's adversity, our troops were forced to abandon 
carefully crafted battle plans. Instead, they relied on their instincts 
nurtured by a free, democratic society to persevere. The Allied troops 
used their ingenuity, creativity, and leadership--bolstered by the 
righteousness of their cause--to overcome the totalitarian opposition.
  In a very real way, American ingenuity at home also helped to win the 
day. The Allied forces were able to overwhelm the Germans with 
Roosevelt's Arsenal of Democracy. This arsenal, the bombers, the tanks, 
the guns, gave the Allies awesome firepower. The steel and 
manufacturing in northwest Indiana and throughout the United States 
created the firepower, which was an indispensable component of our 
victory.
  The world is clearly a better place thanks to the horrors endured on 
D-day and throughout World War II. To properly honor the heroism of our 
troops, we must make the most of our freedom secured by their efforts. 
We will be forever indebted to our veterans, their families and 
friends, for the sacrifices they made so that we could be free.

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