It was the greatest amphibious landing ever, and the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, literally changed the course of history. Now, Congressman Zach Wamp wants to honor the Americans who were there for the invasion nearly 56 years ago.

"The French people have never forgotten that young Americans in uniform played a key role in freeing their country and Europe from the barbaric Nazi regime," Wamp said. "That's why it means so much to me to be able to present the Commemorative Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty to veterans who served in Normandy." To qualify for the medal, a veteran must have served in Normandy between June 6 and Aug. 31, 1944.

"I want to help veterans who earned this recognition receive it. I am asking any veteran who qualifies for this medal to contact my office and obtain an application form. To receive the medal, each veteran should send us a completed application," Wamp said. Veterans are also asked to submit copies of their DD-214 forms with their applications. "I will have special presentation ceremonies for veterans who would like to take part in them," Wamp said.

"The young Americans who mounted the crusade to liberate Europe more than half a century ago are now well advanced in life," Wamp said. "Some have never received the thanks and recognition they earned. As one of the succeeding generations of Americans who benefited so greatly from the sacrifices of these fine patriots, I want to do whatever I can to honor them.

"One of the most moving experiences I have had since being a Congressman came just this past Veterans Day when I had the honor and privilege of presenting medals to veterans of World War II and Vietnam, some of whom had waited 54 years to get the medals they earned," Wamp said. "It was an experience I will never forget."

Wamp asks that veterans of the Normandy Invasion who would like to receive the medal contact either Office of Congressman Zach Wamp, 900 Georgia Ave., Suite 126, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37402 (423) 756-2342 or Office of Congressman Zach Wamp, Federal Building, Suite 100, 200 Administration Road, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37830 (865) 576-1976.