ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

On 2026-06-08, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY" in the Senate.

ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2653] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY Mr. GRASSLEY. On June 6, 1944, the United States and Allied nations led that historic invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. Two days ago, there was a remembrance of that occasion at a place called Omaha Beach. Nearly 160,000 Allied troops, 5,000 ships, and 13,000 aircraft supported the assault against Hitler-dominated Europe. That allowed the Allied Powers to gain a foothold in Europe, and 11 months later Europe was free of Adolf Hitler. While victory eventually followed, D-Day came with very heavy casualties. Thousands of paratroopers died before they even landed out of the sky, and amphibious tanks faced rough surf, and only 2 of 29 tanks made it ashore. Courageous infantrymen who stormed Omaha Beach were also severely disadvantaged and met with a brutal welcome from German artillery. On D-Day alone, more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded. More than 2,000 were American servicemen. Knowing this history ought to prepare us for today and tomorrow and well into the future because these sacrifices remind us of a hard truth; that failing to confront aggression early deepens the cost as time goes on. That lesson is something that we should keep top of mind as we continue efforts to address aggression today, whether it is Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Iran's destabilization efforts across the Middle East, or rising tensions with China. These challenges are different than they were in World War II, but the pattern is very familiar. As we reflect on the anniversary of D-Day, we should be reminded not only of the bravery of those who fought but the united front that made that victory possible. That same unity forged by America's doctrine of ``peace through strength'' will determine whether we preserve peace or pay a far higher price in the future. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant executive clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________