[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING AMERICA'S WORLD WAR II VETERANS

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, this week, we pay tribute to those who 
fought for freedom's cause during World War II. Two monumental efforts 
occurred that resulted in turning the war efforts in favor of the 
Allied Forces. These events are D-day and the Battle of Midway. Each 
was a demonstration of our nation's commitment to freedom, a blow 
against tyranny, and the tremendous sacrifice everyday Americans are 
willing to make for peace and security.
  This Saturday marks the 65th anniversary of D-day, the day the tide 
began to turn against totalitarianism in World War II. On that day, 
Allied troops stormed a Normandy beachhead to claim a foothold on the 
edge of Nazi-occupied Europe. More than 1,400 Americans sacrificed 
their lives during the invasion, including 130 Floridians.
  As the largest land, air, and sea invasion in history, D-day brought 
together Allied forces and unprecedented military resources, including 
more than 150,000 servicemen, 13,000 aircraft, and 5,000 ships. By the 
day's end, more than 9,000 Allied warriors had sacrificed life and limb 
so that others could begin the perilous journey into Europe to defeat 
the forces commanded by Adolf Hitler.
  D-day tested the courage and character of every American involved in 
the invasion. Like those who came before them, the soldiers who fought 
that day fought courageously for a freedom the men and women of our 
military still fight to defend.
  Coinciding with the anniversary D-day is the 67th anniversary of the 
Battle of Midway, another turning point in the war. The battle claimed 
the lives of more than 300 Americans and helped to slow Japan's advance 
across the Pacific. America's forces executed the mission with 
tremendous skill and helped deliver one of the war's most decisive and 
crucial victories.
  On these anniversaries, let us remember and recognize the courage of 
those who sacrificed their lives to restore hope through the liberation 
of those in occupied territories. Let us honor and thank those veterans 
that continue to share their unique stories from these extraordinary 
battles. May God bless the men and women of the U.S. military, and 
continue to bless our great Nation.

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