COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France – Today, Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), chairman of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, attended the D-day 75^th anniversary ceremony at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer near Normandy, France.

On June 6, 1944, with American and Allied paratroopers positioned behind enemy lines, Allied forces, led by Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, waded through waist-deep waters amid hailing enemy gunfire to storm the beaches of Normandy, France, in an invasion called Operation Overlord, or D-Day, as it is commonly referred to today. It was a joint naval, air and land assault marking the start of Allied forces’ campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe. More than 6,000 Americans died that day, but their sacrifice and heroism marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

Eisenhower’s decision to launch the D-day invasion helped turn the tide of the war in Europe, leading to victory in less than a year.

“As a Marine, I’m honored to visit Normandy and pay tribute to the brave service members who lost their lives during this operation that changed the course of WWII,” said Sen. Roberts. “Without their bravery and sacrifice, the world might be a very different place today.”

“This military operation, which is the largest and most complex military invasion in human history would not have been possible without the valiant leadership of Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, an Abilene, Kansas, native.”

“Today, I’m extremely thankful for Ike’s leadership here in France 75 years ago and I look forward to dedicating the Eisenhower Memorial on the National Mall next year, on the 75^th anniversary of VE Day, so people from all around the world can pay tribute to Kansas’ favorite son,” Roberts said.

The D-Day 75^th anniversary ceremony was attended by more than 150 veterans, U.S. elected officials, U.S. armed service members, dignitaries from our allied partners in the French government, and other participants.