[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLIED D-DAY INVASION OF 
                                 FRANCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 80th anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion of France.
  Last week, we recognized the solemn anniversary and honored the 
bravery of our Armed Forces who served in that operation. On June 6, 80 
years ago, thousands of America's bravest soldiers fought to protect 
the freedoms, liberties, and rights of those back home.
  Sadly, the United States lost more than 6,000 soldiers that day. 
Ultimately, we would lose thousands of brave servicemembers in the 
coming weeks and months liberating the rest of Western Europe from 
German control. Marking a crucial turning point in World War II, the 
Allied forces joined together to storm the beaches of Normandy. These 
patriots conquered their fears of what lie ahead in battle, showcasing 
sheer bravery while facing the dangerous unknown.
  In an operation that would quickly turn the tide of the war and rally 
men across nations, American soldiers made sacrifices, leaving 
permanent marks on the war-torn terrain, on their families, and on our 
hearts.
  Mr. Speaker, in 2018, I had the privilege of attending the wreath-
laying ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery in France. I am forever 
humbled and grateful for the opportunity to travel to those beaches 
that our brave men stormed so many years ago. Looking out and seeing 
the white crosses, brothers buried next to brothers, fathers buried 
next to sons, it is a reminder that our freedom isn't free.
  The memorial serves as a constant reminder that the United States 
will fight and die to protect the freedoms of not just American 
citizens, but for those around the globe. We are eternally grateful for 
this devotion to duty and devotion to country.
  I recognize members of the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District 
who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Our community has a long history 
of strong military service across many years of service, and, today, I 
name just a few.
  From Bradford, McKean County, Elmer DeLucia, who served in the 81st 
Chemical Mortar Battalion. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 
1944, and was involved in four more battles in northern France, the 
Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.
  Mr. DeLucia passed away at the age of 99 in 2022. He spent the years 
after returning home speaking often about his service, wanting to share 
his firsthand knowledge, especially with school children.
  Mr. Speaker, I also recognize the members of our community who gave 
their lives during the D-Day battle. There were 347 Pennsylvanians who 
were killed in action. They gave their lives defending our freedoms. Of 
those men, 31 grew up across the 15th Congressional District. May we 
always remember their sacrifices.
  Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to remember and honor those who 
sacrificed so much for so many and celebrate the heroism of the 
servicemembers nationwide.
  For the good of the many, so gave the few. It is these few we 
acknowledge today, and let us honor their heroism. Let us always speak 
with pride of D-Day, of our troops, and of our victory.
  God bless America.

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