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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E729-E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN SUPPORT OF H. RES. 413 RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
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HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 10, 2019
Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 413
recognizing the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
I would like to thank Congressmen Wilson, Schiff, and Latta, as my
fellow co-chairs of the French Caucus, for joining me in introducing H.
Res. 413 to express the gratitude and appreciation of the House of
Representatives to the members of the United States and Allied Armed
Forces for their leadership, bravery, and sacrifices in Normandy on
June 6, 1944.
June 6, 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the day the United States
launched the largest amphibious assault in history at Normandy,
alongside troops of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France. Operation
Overlord--more commonly known as D-Day--was instrumental in bringing an
end to World War II.
The success of the Normandy campaign did not come without tremendous
loss of life, but it ultimately turned the tide for the Allies and led
to the liberation of Europe. We owe a debt of gratitude to the members
of the ``Greatest Generation,'' who helped free the world from Nazi and
Fascist regimes and restore liberty in Europe. Without their heroism
and valor, our world today would be a very different place.
Five hundred veterans will travel to Normandy to commemorate the 75th
anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy landings. They are just a
fraction of the more than 2 million men that landed in Northern France
over the course of Operation Overlord. As their numbers dwindle, so
does the living memory of the events. It is incumbent upon us to ensure
their sacrifices are never forgotten.
A generation ago--in the aftermath of D-Day and World War II--it was
second nature that the ties the United States had with European nations
represented our most important alliance. This relationship was fresh in
our minds, having fought alongside one another and sacrificed so much
over the course of the war. I too share this bond; my own uncle was
killed defending democracy on French soil during World War II. Today, I
fear the significance of the events of World War II and our
[[Page E730]]
alliance with Europe is often lost on the younger generations, and that
we have not done enough to pass down this important history so the
courage of everyone who fought in and supported the war effort and the
values they defended are never forgotten.
The people of France and Normandy have made substantial efforts to
preserve the history and significance of the D-Day beaches and other
important sites for future generations. I have been fortunate to visit
the monuments at Normandy and I have seen homes in the area displaying
both French and American flags. Each time, I have been profoundly moved
by the reminders of the sacrifices made by U.S. and Allied Forces, and
I thank the people of France and Normandy for preserving this history.
This resolution recognizes their efforts and calls for expanding
educational activities to pass on the lessons of World War II from
generation to generation.
The alliances we forged with our European partners during and after
World War II were a testament to the fact that we are stronger when our
allies are stronger and when we stand arm-in-arm in the face of common
threats and adversaries. That is why we introduced House Resolution 413
out of appreciation for this alliance and the members of the United
States Armed Forces and Allied armed forces who participated in the D-
Day operations, as well as the countless individuals who supported the
war effort
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