Ricketts Honors 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chris Coons (D-DE) to introduce a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, known as D-Day.

“We honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago. We also recognize the critical contributions made by Nebraskans like Andrew Jackson Higgins, who designed and built the landing craft that carried them to victory, said Senator Ricketts. “I’m proud to support this resolution commemorating this pivotal moment in history and the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.”

“It is our duty to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Allied forces members who helped turn the tide of World War II and free Western Europe from Nazi occupation. We will never forget the courage and heroism of those who took part in D-Day, including the thousands of individuals who gave their lives in support of this mission,” said Senator Boozman. “I’m grateful the Senate approved the resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion so we can pay tribute to the brave members of the Greatest Generation who changed the course of history.”

“The Normandy landings were more than a battle in World War II–they were a turning point in history when thousands of Allied soldiers gave their lives to help freedom and democracy triumph over fascism and darkness,”said Senator Coons. “80 years later, the Senate is proud to remember and honor the heroism and incredible bravery of those men who stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi oppression.”

On the morning of June 6, 1944, 31,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, and 153,000 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 around 10,000 Allied soldiers wounded or killed, 6,000 being Americans. Operation Overlord led to Allied liberation of Western Europe from the control of Nazi Germany and an end to the World War II.