Warner & Kaine Applaud Senate Passage of Resolution Commemorating 80th Anniversary of D-Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, (both D-VA) applauded the unanimous passage of a resolution they cosponsored to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and express gratitude and appreciation to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Allied troops responsible for carrying out this unprecedented and historic operation that proved decisive in securing victory in Europe during World War II.
“80 years ago tomorrow, thousands of brave soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy and altered the course of World War II and history. Because of their courage and sacrifice, Western Europe was freed from Nazi occupation. We must never forget the incredible sacrifice of these individuals,“ said the senators. “We are glad our resolution was passed to commemorate the heroism of these courageous soldiers from across the nation and Virginia and to express our gratitude for their service.”
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, 31,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, and 153,000 of their counterparts in the Allied Expeditionary Force, launched Operation Overlord by storming ashore five landing areas on the beaches of Normandy, France. The first day of the operation, which became known as D-Day, saw approximately 10,000 Allied soldiers wounded or killed, including 6,000 Americans. Overlord led to Allied liberation of Western Europe from the control of Nazi Germany and an end to World War II.
44 soldiers, sailors, and airmen who served in the operation were from Bedford, Virginia, 19 of whom lost their lives. In September, Kaine sent a letter to the National Park Service urging them to designate the Town of Bedford as an American World War II Heritage City to honor these soldiers. In January, the National Park Service announced this designation.
Click here to read the resolution.
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