Floor Speech2026-06-02

RECOGNIZING 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY AND BATTLE OF NORMANDY

Context

On 2026-06-02, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY AND BATTLE OF NORMANDY" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3743-H3744] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY AND BATTLE OF NORMANDY (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-day and the Battle of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops, nearly half of them Americans, stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most consequential military operations that has ever been undertaken. Their actions not only changed the course of World War II but also left an enduring legacy of courage that continues to this day to inspire. Recently, I had the honor of visiting the Normandy American Cemetery, where I visited the grave of Harry Snyder of Pennsylvania. Harry gave his life for our Nation. During my visit, I had the privilege of reading a letter written posthumously by Anne Snyder, Harry's daughter. In the letter she wrote: ``Dad, although your legacy is occasionally dimmed, it always emerges triumphant in the hearts and minds of the young and not so young. Rest well until the day that we meet again.'' Standing among the graves of those who gave their lives for freedom serves as a powerful reminder of the immense cost of liberty and our enduring obligation to preserve that liberty. Mr. Speaker, may we never forget their heroic actions. May we never forget their service. May we never forget the profound debt of gratitude that we owe each and every one of them. Honoring Richland School District Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Richland School District on its selection as a Great Pennsylvania School. Presented by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the designation recognizes school districts across Pennsylvania for academic excellence. As Superintendent Arnold Nadonley stated, this recognition speaks volumes about the entire school district. Mr. Speaker, I join with constituents throughout Cambria County in congratulating the Richland School District, Superintendent Nadonley, and the school board of directors on this incredible designation as one of the great Pennsylvania schools. Congratulating Jaffa Shriners of Blair County Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Jaffa Shriners of Blair County on the Jaffa Shrine being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jaffa Shrine has been a venerable resource for the greater Altoona community since it opened in 1930. A cultural landmark on Broad Avenue, the Jaffa Shrine has brought people of all backgrounds together for multiple special events. The selection of the Jaffa Shrine for the National Register of Historic Places is a testament to the National Park Service's vital mission to identify America's historic landmarks. With a distinguished legacy of community enrichment and historic importance, the Jaffa Shrine has merited this profound recognition. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all Jaffa Shriners for this designation. Recognizing Joe Diamond Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service of Joe Diamond of Bellwood, Pennsylvania. Joe has provided outstanding leadership as the Region 4 director at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for 32 years. Region 4's service area spans across a large portion of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Joe, described as an expert in agriculture and farming, is the second-longest tenured staff member in the entire Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Raised on his family's dairy farm, Joe is fulfilling a lifelong passion with his career in agriculture. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the constituents in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Joe Diamond for his distinguished legacy of advocacy on behalf of farmers and his significant impact on agriculture throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. [[Page H3744]] ____________________

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RECOGNIZING 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY AND BATTLE OF NORMANDY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3743-H3744] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY AND BATTLE OF NORMANDY (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-day and the Battle of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops, nearly half of them Americans, stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most consequential military operations that has ever been undertaken. Their actions not only changed the course of World War II but also left an enduring legacy of courage that continues to this day to inspire. Recently, I had the honor of visiting the Normandy American Cemetery, where I visited the grave of Harry Snyder of Pennsylvania. Harry gave his life for our Nation. During my visit, I had the privilege of reading a letter written posthumously by Anne Snyder, Harry's daughter. In the letter she wrote: ``Dad, although your legacy is occasionally dimmed, it always emerges triumphant in the hearts and minds of the young and not so young. Rest well until the day that we meet again.'' Standing among the graves of those who gave their lives for freedom serves as a powerful reminder of the immense cost of liberty and our enduring obligation to preserve that liberty. Mr. Speaker, may we never forget their heroic actions. May we never forget their service. May we never forget the profound debt of gratitude that we owe each and every one of them. Honoring Richland School District Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Richland School District on its selection as a Great Pennsylvania School. Presented by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the designation recognizes school districts across Pennsylvania for academic excellence. As Superintendent Arnold Nadonley stated, this recognition speaks volumes about the entire school district. Mr. Speaker, I join with constituents throughout Cambria County in congratulating the Richland School District, Superintendent Nadonley, and the school board of directors on this incredible designation as one of the great Pennsylvania schools. Congratulating Jaffa Shriners of Blair County Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Jaffa Shriners of Blair County on the Jaffa Shrine being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jaffa Shrine has been a venerable resource for the greater Altoona community since it opened in 1930. A cultural landmark on Broad Avenue, the Jaffa Shrine has brought people of all backgrounds together for multiple special events. The selection of the Jaffa Shrine for the National Register of Historic Places is a testament to the National Park Service's vital mission to identify America's historic landmarks. With a distinguished legacy of community enrichment and historic importance, the Jaffa Shrine has merited this profound recognition. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all Jaffa Shriners for this designation. Recognizing Joe Diamond Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service of Joe Diamond of Bellwood, Pennsylvania. Joe has provided outstanding leadership as the Region 4 director at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for 32 years. Region 4's service area spans across a large portion of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Joe, described as an expert in agriculture and farming, is the second-longest tenured staff member in the entire Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Raised on his family's dairy farm, Joe is fulfilling a lifelong passion with his career in agriculture. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the constituents in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Joe Diamond for his distinguished legacy of advocacy on behalf of farmers and his significant impact on agriculture throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. [[Page H3744]] ____________________