SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATES 70th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY INVASION

The New York State Senate on Monday honored World War II veterans by adopting a resolution that commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Allied Army invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, a defining day in world history that marked the beginning of the liberation of Europe and the eventual end of World War II; as well as passing a package of legislation to benefit veterans, and men and women in active military duty.

“The men who fought during World War II are known as the Greatest Generation, and June 6, 1944 was the greatest day of the greatest generation,” Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos said. “On that day the largest amphibious invasion force ever turned the tide of world history from oppression to freedom, from brutality to liberty, and, less than a year later, from war to peace. And it all began with incredible bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy 70 years ago. The Senate is proud to pay tribute to World War II veterans today.”

The Senate resolution described the extraordinary impact of D-Day: On June 6, 1944, the military might of the Allies combined for the most extensive aerial and sea borne assault ever planned; the D-Day Invasion at the beaches of Normandy, France changed the direction of World War II, and the history of the twentieth century; planned for over two years by the Allied Forces, the D-Day Invasion was an intricate coordination of the world’s greatest military forces, and an exercise in cooperation that marked the turning point of the war, and the world’s history.

On June 6, 1944, 160,000 troops from the United States, Great Britain and Canada landed on the French coastline at Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. More than 6,500 ships and landing craft, as well as 13,000 aircraft participated in the attack. By the end of that day, the Allies established a foot-hold in Normandy. During the D-Day invasion more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded.