[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9474-9475]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN REMEMBRANCE OF D-DAY

  Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to remember and honor the brave 
Nevadans and all Americans who risked their lives defending our liberty 
on the beaches of Normandy, France 70 years ago. The sacrifices our 
brave soldiers made on this day set America and the world on a path to 
peace, freedom, and liberty that all Americans enjoy today.
  At dawn on June 6, 1944, the Allied powers stormed the beaches of 
Normandy and started their march across Europe to defeat Hitler. It was 
one of the most important days in American history and one the biggest 
tests our Nation has ever faced. What is known as D-day marked the 
beginning of the demise of one of the worst enemies that the United 
States has ever had to face. The brave men that stormed Omaha Beach 
that day sacrificed their lives, their ambitions, and their 
relationships with loved ones to liberate those who were enslaved by 
the Nazis. Their courage demonstrated that America would not sit idly 
by as countries across the Atlantic suffered, reaffirming America's 
belief that violations of basic human rights will not be tolerated. 
Their unwavering service is

[[Page 9475]]

what has made this country so great and a beacon of democracy. These 
men believed that freedom was worth fighting for and that reflects what 
is most inspiring about the United States of America.
  It is an honor to be able to commemorate this day on behalf of my 
fellow Nevadans as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice 
and died to defend freedom. Our soldiers' commitment to this country, 
as well as their dedication to their families and communities, 
exemplified why the legacy of all World War II veterans must be 
preserved for generations to come. These heroes truly are the 
``greatest generation''--selflessly serving not for recognition, but 
because it was the right thing to do. As a member of the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a 
responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure 
they are cared for after their return home. I remain committed to 
upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada 
and throughout the Nation.
  I ask that we remember the Americans who stood against tyranny and 
persevered. The brave men and women who risked everything to come to 
the aid of others deserve our respect and appreciation, and I am both 
humbled and honored to recognize them here today. May we never forget 
the brave actions by these heroes that allowed the Allied troops to 
defeat tyranny.

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