[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE HEROES OF D-DAY

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today in commemoration of the 58th 
anniversary of the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken: 
D-Day.
  This monumental task involved over 150,000 American, British, 
Canadian, Free French, and Polish troops. Each of these individuals 
took great risks, sacrificing themselves for the sake of freedom and 
democracy.
  For many of the Americans storming the Utah and Omaha beach, D-Day 
offered their first glimpse of the enemy and death. Although, there had 
been extensive training and planning of the invasion, this was a 
challenge unlike any other. Facing incredible odds, natural obstacles 
and man-made fortifications, the allied troops secured a beachhead in 
Nazi occupied Europe from which to begin a western frontal attack. D-
Day was a colossal moment where freedom and democracy regained a 
foothold in Europe at the cost of many brave individuals.
  There are many heroes of D-Day; many we honored and remembered just a 
little over a week ago during Memorial Day weekend and others who are 
passing each day. I know it is my wish, as it must be for the other 
members of this body, that the valor and sacrifices of our Nation's 
fighting men and women are not forgotten. Each generation deserves to 
understand the important events that shaped the world we live in. I'm 
happy to see construction underway with the World War II monument on 
the National Mall. This will serve as another reminder to those of 
today and tomorrow of those who came before us and made, ``For God and 
Country,'' the ultimate sacrifice.
  On the anniversary of possibly the most difficult military invasion, 
I tip my hat in solemn remembrance to those who fought so bravely to 
protect freedom and liberty here and abroad. I also ask that all 
Americans take a moment to remember their sacrifices, which allowed the 
world to enjoy a greater freedom.
  In conclusion, it is evident that following the savage attacks of 
September 11, new sacrifices lay ahead of us. As America rises to meet 
these challenges we can take solace in the model of courage and 
determination of those who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy 
to protect our freedom.
  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, on this day 58 years ago, Allied forces 
began the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. Given the importance of 
this event to our nation's history, we should take a moment today to 
remember and to honor those who sacrificed their lives on the beaches 
of France in the fight against the forces of fascism.
  D-Day was the largest air, land, and sea invasion in history. More 
than 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and 150,000 troops participated in 
the invasion of June 6, 1944. Soldiers from America, Britain, Canada, 
and France worked in concert to storm the beaches of Normandy, overcome 
entrenched German defensive positions, and establish a beachhead from 
which France and all of Europe was liberated. The success of the D-Day 
invasion not only turned the tide of the war, but changed the course of 
history as well.
  Exact casualties from the invasion have proven difficult to 
calculate. But upwards of 10,000 men were killed or wounded on the five 
beaches whose code names we have all come to know so well: Utah, Omaha, 
Gold, Juno, and Sword.
  Today, we pause to honor all of those who participated in the 
Normandy invasion, including those who were killed, those who have died 
in the six decades since the invasion, and those who survive today to 
tell of their comrades' bravery and sacrifices. We owe a debt to each 
of these men that can never be fully repaid. Yet, I believe one of the 
best ways for us to pay our respect to these heroes, is to honor our 
commitments to our veterans and to those serving in the active duty and 
reserve.
  In an attempt to thank the U.S. servicemembers who participated in 
the liberation of France, the French government is offering 
certificates to U.S. veterans who served in France, its territorial 
waters, or airspace between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945. I am working 
to make my constituents aware of these Thank-You-America Certificates 
so that all eligible South Dakota veterans get the recognition for 
their service that they deserve.
  I know that my colleagues will join with me in commemorating the 58th 
anniversary of the D-Day invasion and honoring the veterans who 
answered our Nation's call to service on that fateful day.

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