[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

  Mr. GRASSLEY. On June 6, 1944, the United States and Allied nations 
led that historic invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. Two days 
ago, there was a remembrance of that occasion at a place called Omaha 
Beach.
  Nearly 160,000 Allied troops, 5,000 ships, and 13,000 aircraft 
supported the assault against Hitler-dominated Europe. That allowed the 
Allied Powers to gain a foothold in Europe, and 11 months later Europe 
was free of Adolf Hitler.
  While victory eventually followed, D-Day came with very heavy 
casualties. Thousands of paratroopers died before they even landed out 
of the sky, and amphibious tanks faced rough surf, and only 2 of 29 
tanks made it ashore.
  Courageous infantrymen who stormed Omaha Beach were also severely 
disadvantaged and met with a brutal welcome from German artillery.
  On D-Day alone, more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or 
wounded. More than 2,000 were American servicemen.
  Knowing this history ought to prepare us for today and tomorrow and 
well into the future because these sacrifices remind us of a hard 
truth; that failing to confront aggression early deepens the cost as 
time goes on. That lesson is something that we should keep top of mind 
as we continue efforts to address aggression today, whether it is 
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Iran's destabilization efforts across the 
Middle East, or rising tensions with China.
  These challenges are different than they were in World War II, but 
the pattern is very familiar.
  As we reflect on the anniversary of D-Day, we should be reminded not 
only of the bravery of those who fought but the united front that made 
that victory possible.
  That same unity forged by America's doctrine of ``peace through 
strength'' will determine whether we preserve peace or pay a far higher 
price in the future.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant executive clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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