Hoyer Pays Tribute to WWII Veterans in Recognition of the 60th Anniversary of D-Day
"On June 6, 1944, U.S. Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower sent our troops on a mission to confront one of the world's most tyrannical dictatorships with some notable words of inspiration. 'You are about to embark on a great crusade, the eyes of the world are upon you, the hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you,' he told them in his Order of the Day.
"Despite a tragic number of casualties, the allied forces were ultimately triumphant in liberating Europe and in defending the world from further oppression by ending the control of the brutal and prejudiced Nazi regime.
"In commemoration of this historical and victorious day, it is appropriate that we take the time to recognize the effort, strength, and courage of our nation's World War II veterans. Today, I would like to particularly recognize a valued friend of mine and a courageous veteran from Maryland, Clancy Lyall.
"As a member of the E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, known as the 'Band of Brothers' during World War II, Clancy jumped onto the beaches at Normandy on D-Day, fought at the Battle of the Bulge and helped capture Hitler's 'Eagles Nest' retreat.
"Sixty years later, on June 6, 2004, Clancy will return to Normandy with hundreds of WWII veterans where he will participate in the 'Normandie Mémoire 60th anniversary,' a ceremony to pay tribute and thank the men and women of the Allied Forces for returning to Normandy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day and the battle of Normandy. Clancy will be awarded by the French Government with a chest badge in Carenton where his unit distinguished themselves in battle.
"Southern Maryland is privileged to have Clancy Lyall in our midst. He continues to serve our community by organizing Memorial Day and Veteran's Day parades, served as the past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans Service Organization, and preserving stories of the war through presentations at area high schools so that the students are able to begin to truly know and understand the human experiences of World War II.
"To Clancy Lyall and all the brave Americans who, by serving in Normandy with great sacrifice and courage, beat back the forces of tyranny, and secured freedom for America and the world, know that a grateful nation is indebted to you for your service.
"We as a nation will never forget the men and women of the Greatest Generation who lost their lives in World War II, but whose efforts helped the allies win one of the most important military operations in modern history and set the stage for a new order in Europe.
"As we celebrate this historic day honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion we must resolve to fulfill the obligation the rest of us incurred with the sacrifice of these great Americans - to keep America free and strong and to remain dedicated to the preservation of liberty."
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