Frank Lautenberg: “Today is a noteworthy anniversary. It is the anniversary of D-day, the day the largest invasion force in the history of…”

“Today is a noteworthy anniversary. It is the anniversary of D-day, the day the largest invasion force in the history of man landed on the beaches of Normandy. They came from across the world--133,000 brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen--from England, Canada, and the United States. On that particular day, more than 10,000 soldiers died, giving their lives so that their families, their country, and the rest of the world could live in peace and be free. The bravery and honor of those men has come to be known with three simple words: 'the greatest generation.' Their sacrifice in battle and their continued service once they got home defined everything that was good and right about America. We honored their service and sacrifice with parades and public ceremonies and memorials to the fallen, but it was also honored in another way. We gave them the chance to go to college and pursue an education. We gave them the chance to build a better future for themselves and their families. Those of us who served in that terrible war got the chance to begin the innovation that drove America into the future. We received the GI bill for our service. Many veterans of World War II have served in the Senate, many of whom were honored by medals of valor. We still have someone who served in World War II who earned the Medal of Honor--Senator Dan Inouye from Hawaii--for his incredible bravery in World War II, for his bravery under fire. I am who I am today because of the GI bill.”