[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO D-DAY VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. WALLY HERGER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2008

  Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a special group of 
veterans, those that served in Operation Overlord or D-day as it is 
commonly referred to.
  On June 6, 1944, an allied force of over 150,000 American, British, 
Canadian, Free French, and Polish troops landed on a 50-mile stretch of 
French coastline heavily-fortified by German forces. President Franklin 
D. Roosevelt referred to the assault as a ``mighty endeavor'' as it 
included more than 13,000 aircraft, 137,000 jeeps, trucks, and half-
tracks, 16 million tons of supplies, and the largest armada ever 
assembled in history with over 5,000 vessels.
  Over 70,000 American servicemen participated in the D-day invasion 
and began what General Eisenhower referred to as the allied march to 
victory. The allied forces suffered about 9,760 casualties, of which 
6,605 were Americans.
  World War II shaped the 20th century and forever changed the course 
of world history. Recognizing the brave men and women of America's 
Armed Forces that participated in the war is a special privilege. As 
members of the greatest generation fade into the past, we should work 
diligently to thank them for their sacrifice as they marched on behalf 
of freedom and secured the world from tyranny.
  Prime Minister Winston Churchill said it best in 1940 while 
addressing the British people during the Battle of Britain when he 
remarked, ``Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed 
by so many to so few.'' America owes a great debt to its men and women 
in uniform and by recognizing the contributions of previous 
generations, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
  It is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I recognize the 
D-day veterans residing in California's Second Congressional District 
and all of America's veterans for protecting the values and traditions 
of our great Nation.
  May God Bless America, our veterans, and those currently serving in 
the Armed Forces.

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