[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1036]]
         57TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF NORMANDY ON D-DAY

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                       HON. FELIX J. GRUCCI, JR.

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise and ask all Americans to join me in 
pausing for a moment to remember the 57th Anniversary of one of the 
greatest fights for freedom in world history: the invasion of Normandy 
on D-Day.
  The men, who fought this battle, many giving their lives, did nothing 
short of saving the world. At a time when Europe was dominated by 
Hitler, these soldiers mounted an invasion that many were sure was 
impossible at Omaha and Utah beaches, securing the coast against all 
odds, and beginning the final drive to defeat the Nazi's. Anyone who 
has seen the movie Saving Private Ryan has seen but a glimpse of this 
greatest battle of World War II.
  Today, more than a thousand World War II veterans are dying each day. 
These men and women, who secured the freedom we enjoy today, both in 
America and abroad, are heroes. Their bold actions and selfless 
sacrifices will soon be honored on our National Mall with a new 
monument for them, and are being seen and appreciated anew through the 
eyes of a new generation. Whether it be at the theater seeing Pearl 
Harbor or countless other venues, our children are seeing that World 
War II isn't just a history lesson in school, it was heroic actions by 
ordinary men and women, which shaped the world in which we live today.
  Mr. Speaker, this is why I am asking all Americans to join me in 
reflecting on the sacrifices made by these soldiers, and say a silent 
``Thank you'' to them.

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