U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) issued the following statement on June 6, 2006, the 62nd anniversary of D-Day:

"Let us pause today to remember the men, our brave veterans from the Greatest Generation, many who gave their lives on June 6, 1944 to begin the liberation of Europe."

"Sadly, fewer and fewer of these brave men are left with us who were actually there on June 6, 1944, when Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for the largest amphibious military operation in history: D-Day, code-named Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of northern France. Unfortunately, we are saying goodbye to these veterans in greater numbers with each passing year. But for those who remain with us and in memory of those who died that day and who have subsequently passed since, we pause today to honor their great deed.

"At 6:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944, our brave American troops came ashore at Utah and Omaha beaches. On Omaha Beach, the U.S. First Division battled heavy German fire and rough waters and many wounded Americans ultimately drowned in the high tide. Our British and Canadian brothers landed at Gold, Sword beaches, and Juno beaches, and also were met with heavy German fire, but by day's end had established beachheads.

"Total Allied casualties on D-Day are estimated at over 10,000. The breakdown of US casualties was 1,465 killed, 3,184 wounded, 1,928 missing and 26 captured. Before the day ended however, 155,000 Allied troops would be in Normandy bringing with them the beginning of the end of the Third Reich. The world has not forgotten what these men did on June 6, 1944 and we must remain vigilant in making sure we never forget their great sacrifice."