[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E989-E990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           D-DAY REMEMBRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2012

  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Second 
Annual Recognition and Remembrance ceremony being held in Delmar, NY by 
the D-Day Remembrance Association. It is truly a commendable event to 
honor those who sacrificed so much in order to return freedom and 
democracy to Europe in one of the most courageous and awe-inspiring 
military operations ever conceived.
  The D-Day Remembrance Association hosts this event to remember and 
honor the events of those several days and particularly the 
servicemembers who stormed the beaches, airdropped behind enemy lines, 
and supported the invasion from sea. As a result of the efforts of this 
remarkable collection of volunteers, and many others like it across the 
nation, these annual gatherings create new treasured memories for all 
veterans, their children, grandchildren and others who recognize and 
appreciate the significant contributions and sacrifices that the 
``Greatest Generation'' made in name of freedom.
  The Battle of Normandy was fought during World War II in the summer 
of 1944, between the Allied nations and German forces occupying Western 
Europe. Almost 70 years later, the Normandy Invasion, or D-Day, remains 
the largest seaborne invasion in history, involving nearly three 
million troops crossing the English Channel from Great Britain to 
Normandy in occupied France.
  On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch 
of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany. General 
Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which ``we will 
accept nothing less than full victory.'' By the end of the first day, 
the Allies had gained a foothold in Normandy. The cost of D-Day was 
high--more than 2,500 were killed and 8,500 wounded--but more than 
100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler. I am 
in awe of what they accomplished during this period that can only be 
described as Hell on Earth.

[[Page E990]]

  Our men and women who served in combat and support roles did not ask 
for that war; yet, they answered the nation's call with honor and 
conviction. They put aside the instinct for self-preservation and 
risked their lives for all humanity in order to preserve freedom and 
defeat evil. They personified the words, ``Greatest Generation.'' Those 
men had survived the Great Depression, fought and won World War II, 
returned to America and simply tried to put it all behind them--
rebuilding lives, families, and our country.
  We are strengthened by their courage and awestruck by their valor. 
God Bless our veterans and those who gave their lives so that we may 
live free. Let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they 
fought, live a life worthy of their sacrifice, and work tirelessly to 
preserve our cherished way of life.

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