[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11630]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    COMMEMORATION OF THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLIED INVASION AT 
                                NORMANDY

 Mr. FITZGERALD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 55th 
anniversary of the Allied invasion at Normandy. On June 6, 1944, 
courageous members of our Armed Forces defended the world from assaults 
against humanity. During that misty and chilly day, 156,000 Allied 
soldiers crossed the English channel in one of history's greatest 
military operations. Every soldier, every sailor, and every airman 
united to challenge the injustices that terrorized and enslaved Europe. 
With soldiers from other Allied nations, American soldiers stormed the 
beaches, bombed enemy encampments, fought in the front lines, and 
ensured Europe's liberation.
  When the paratroopers descended from the dark skies and the soldiers 
charged forward from the churning seas, the tide of the war changed. 
While we salute those who returned from this battle and World War II to 
enjoy the world they liberated, we also remember those who never came 
home. On D-Day alone, 2,500 of our GIs gave their lives for the hope of 
a better tomorrow. When the Allied forces defeated Nazi Germany 11 
months later, it was reaffirmed that they did not die in vain.
  These dedicated Americans secured the future and freedoms that we now 
enjoy. All Americans are forever in debt to the members of our Armed 
Services, past and present, who put their lives on the line to 
guarantee our freedom.

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