[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ON THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF
                                 D-DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2006

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I pause today to remember the men, our brave 
veterans from the Greatest Generation, many who gave their lives on 
June 6, 1944 to begin the liberation of Europe.
  Sadly, fewer and fewer of these brave men are left with us who were 
actually there on June 6, 1944, when Supreme Allied Commander General 
Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for the largest amphibious 
military operation in history: D-Day, code-named Operation Overlord, 
the Allied invasion of northern France. Unfortunately, we are saying 
goodbye to these veterans in greater numbers with each passing year. 
But for those who remain with us and in memory of those who died that 
day and who have subsequently passed since, we pause today to honor 
their great deed.
  At 6:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944, our brave American troops came ashore 
at Utah and Omaha beaches. On Omaha Beach, the U.S. First Division 
battled heavy German fire and rough waters and many wounded Americans 
ultimately drowned in the high tide. Our British and Canadian brothers 
landed at Gold, Sword beaches, and Juno beaches, and also were met with 
heavy German fire, but by day's end had established beachheads.
  Total Allied casualties on D-Day are estimated at over 10,000. The 
breakdown of United States casualties was 1,465 killed, 3,184 wounded, 
1,928 missing and 26 captured. Before the day ended however, 155,000 
Allied troops would be in Normandy, bringing with them the beginning of 
the end of the Third Reich. The world has not forgotten what these men 
did on June 6, 1944, and we must remain vigilant in making sure we 
never forget their great sacrifice.

                          ____________________