COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, this week led a bipartisan Senate delegation to Normandy, France, for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces during World War II. The 17-senator delegation joined President Donald J. Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at an official ceremony at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer to mark the milestone.
“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I could think of no better way to honor our World War II veterans than to be with them for this milestone occasion at the very spot where many of them, their friends and fellow comrades landed 75 years ago today,” said Isakson. “It is an especially important time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the greatest generation during World War II. The defeat of fascism in Europe and imperialism in the Pacific liberated millions of people across the globe from oppression. Those brave service members fought in the face of great adversity to defend the principles of democracy, and because of their valor and sacrifice, they set a high standard for future generations to follow.”
On June 6, 1944, with American and Allied paratroopers positioned behind enemy lines, Allied forces waded through waist-deep waters amid hailing enemy gunfire to storm the beaches of Normandy, France, in an invasion called Operation Overlord, or “D-Day” as it is commonly referred to today. It was a joint naval, air and land assault marking the start of Allied forces’ campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe. More than 6,000 Americans died that day, but their sacrifice and heroism marked the beginning of the end of World War II.
During the event, Isakson met with American World War II veterans who made the trip for the special occasion. The delegation also met with General Tod Wolters, commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
The D-Day 75th anniversary ceremony was attended by more than 150 veterans, U.S. elected officials, U.S. armed service members, dignitaries from our allied partners in the French government, and other participants.
Along with Isakson, U.S. Senators John Barrasso, R-Wyo., John Boozman, R-Ark., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., John Hoeven, R-N.D., Angus King, I-Maine, James Lankford, R-Okla., Martha McSally, R-Ariz., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Rick Scott, R-Fla., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., made the trip to Normandy to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.