David Obey: “no one can visit the American cemetery at Normandy without gaining a profound appreciation for the courage and the sense…”

“no one can visit the American cemetery at Normandy without gaining a profound appreciation for the courage and the sense of self-sacrifice demonstrated by every one of our soldiers who fought to take that beach and begin the liberation of Europe. For years, families who went to that cemetery to think about their loved ones, think about their loss and, at the same time, think about their pride, had a totally inadequate place in which to sit and think or perhaps retreat from the rest of the people around them for a few precious moments. And I am so pleased that I was able to work with Congressman Murtha, with Congressman Walsh, with Congressman Hobson, in order to provide the funding for the new visitors center which is now at that location. It is a spectacularly beautiful, and yet subtle tribute to each and every American who fought there. For years, that visitors center did not tell an adequate story of the sense of self-sacrifice that was exhibited in those days. Now it finally does, and I think it will serve as an inspiration, not just to every American who visits that site, but also to every person from any part of the world who values freedom and values sacrifice. I know of no monument that is more eloquent in paying tribute to both than that monument, and I think it's fitting that we pass a resolution, again, praising the courage and the dedication of the Americans who fought to make the entire world free.”