[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 108 (Monday, August 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
               D-DAY OBSERVANCES IN FRANCE AT UTAH BEACH

                                 ______


                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 8, 1994

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of hearing the 
Honorable Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, speak at the 50th 
anniversary of D-day ceremonies on June 6, 1994, at Utah Beach, France. 
I believe that these are encouraging remarks concerning how to deal 
with the challenges facing our future based on our experiences in 
history. I value his insight and advice. Secretary Brown's remarks 
follow:

               D-day Observances in France at Utah Beach

     (By the Honorable Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans Affairs)

       Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
       It is a great honor to be with you on this historic 
     occasion.
       I stand here representing the 27 million living veterans of 
     the United States of America.
       The veterans of our nation and those of our allies have 
     accomplished feats that were written by fire in the pages of 
     the history of the world.
       No praise for them is too great; no words can convey the 
     debt America and the world owe to them.
       There is an inscription in the chapel in the American 
     cemetery at Colleville.
       It reads: ``These endured all and gave all that justice 
     among nations might prevail, and that mankind might enjoy 
     freedom and inherit peace.''
       Yes, some gave all at Normandy. Some died in the hedge 
     country; some died on the beaches. Some died in the landing 
     boats without ever setting foot in Europe.
       But they will always be remembered. They will always be in 
     our hearts. We will never forget them.
       Today, as the world watches, we proclaim that the past, the 
     present and the future belong to the free.
       We remember that we are free today because of the 
     sacrifices of the brave men and women we honor here.
       The evil forces of tyranny and oppression were powerful, 
     cunning, cruel and ruthless.
       But the United States and its allies fought the enemy with 
     all its determination, resources and strength. We fought for 
     security, progress, peace and freedom--not only for ourselves 
     but for all citizens of the world--not only for one 
     generation, but for all generations.
       We have seen and experienced, first hand, the price of 
     freedom.
       We have seen it in the graves of the brave Americans who 
     rest in honored glory.
       We have seen it in the faces of our veterans, who continue 
     to bear the costs of war as a result of wounds and 
     disabilities.
       And all of these things have taught us the true lesson of 
     World War II.
       The lesson is that aggression and extremists must be 
     challenged in both war and peace.
       Our resolve on the battlefield and on the home front 
     brought us victory in World War II; it brought us victory in 
     the cold war.
       We must now summon the same resolve to meet the challenges 
     of today and the future.
       Americans have never taken freedom for granted; Indeed, 
     many have given their lives for the freedom of other nations.
       And their ultimate sacrifice was not in vain. Their 
     sacrifice has woven the fabric of history for the good of 
     mankind and world peace.
       It is clear, by deed alone, that our veterans did not 
     forget the world; and the world should not forget them.
       Thomas Payne was right when he said:

     ``God and the soldier, all men adore;
     In times of danger and not before;
     When the danger is passed and all things righted;
     God is forgotten, and the soldier slighted.''

       The United States, the Republic of France, and all our 
     Allies--have not forgotten God.
       Nor have we forgotten our brave servicemen and women and 
     veterans, to whom we owe so much.
       We shall never forget our heroes.
       Thank you so very, very much.
       At this time, ladies and gentlemen it is my great privilege 
     to introduce to you one of the heroes we honor here today.
       He was born in San Jose, California.
       As a member of the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry 
     Division in Europe, he was aboard a ship that was sunk in the 
     D-day invasion.
       He served throughout the Normandy campaign, in the Central 
     European campaign, and in Czechoslovakia.
       During his time in Europe, he rose from platoon leader to 
     battalion commander.
       He continued to serve during the Korean Conflict. And in 
     Vietnam, he commanded the First Infantry Division.
       Among the many awards he received are the Purple Heart, the 
     Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, and the 
     Distinguished Service Medal.
       Ladies and gentlemen, a true American hero--Lieutenant 
     General Orwin Clark Talbott.

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