[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 125 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING AMERICAN TROOPS WHO DIED ON D-DAY

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 1251, 
which recognizes and honors the United States troops who fought and 
died on D-day at the Battle of Normandy.
  On June 6, 1944, the Western Allies landed in Northern France and 
opened up a major military offensive against the Nazi German forces. 
After 5 years of worldwide warfare, the Normandy invasion proved to be 
a critical turning point in pushing the United States and its allied 
forces to victory. D-day remains one of the greatest beach landings in 
world history, involving nearly 3 million troops crossing the English 
Channel from England to Normandy in occupied France. The collective 
cost to the United States was terribly high, including more than 29,000 
killed and 106,000 wounded and missing.
  As a Member of Congress and the daughter of a World War II veteran, I 
believe I have a duty to honor the men and women who courageously 
served our country and gave their lives at the Battle of Normandy. 
Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of visiting the Battle of 
Normandy Memorial Museum during a congressional delegation and was able 
to get an up-close look at the strength and resilience of the Americans 
who served in the United States armed forces during the invasion of 
Normandy.
  Our country owes all veterans of this conflict a great debt for their 
service.

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