On June 6, 1944, D-Day, tens of thousands of American and Allied servicemembers stormed the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history. The bravery and sacrifice of these men set the stage for the liberation of France and marked a turning point that would lead to Allied victory in Europe in World War Two.
I have had the opportunity to travel to Normandy, where I visited the American cemetery and walked the very beaches that these brave men fought and died to secure. Today, 68 years later, we honor the service and the sacrifice of those who so valiantly fought on those beaches. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died there, we honor and thank those who survived, and we show our appreciation to all those men and women who have fought to protect our nation and preserve and promote justice and democracy across the world.