Reps. Wojno, Richardville, Accavitti, Amos, Anderson, Bieda, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Brown, Byrum, Casperson, Caul, Clack, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Emmons, Farhat, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hardman, Hoogendyk, Hopgood, Huizenga, Hummel, Jamnick, Koetje, LaJoy, LaSata, Law, Lipsey, McConico, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, Murphy, Palmer, Pastor, Plakas, Pumford, Rivet, Rocca, Sak, Shackleton, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Smith, Spade, Stakoe, Steil, Stewart, Tabor, Taub, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Waters, Woodward, Woronchak and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 265.

A resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2004, in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, It is with great respect that we are proud to join with the world in remembering those heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944.  As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of “the longest day,” it is only right that we give thanks to all those who sacrificed so much for the sake of freedom.  For many, the first step on the soil of the European continent was their last.  For others, the events of that day, and those that followed, were to shape the rest of their lives; and

Whereas, D-Day was the greatest mustering of land, sea, and air forces ever to have been attempted.  The assault, planned in secrecy and staged when even the elements had turned against the Allied forces, was a turning point not only for World War II, but also for America’s place in the world.  At 6:30 a.m., the land assault began with American troops hitting Omaha and Utah Beaches and within the hour, British and Canadian troops landed on Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches.  Since Americans comprised the largest element of the invading forces, they also suffered some of the greatest losses, by day’s end 250,000 allied troops were assembled on the five beaches, but the price was steep, with 10,000 allied soldiers killed or wounded; and

Whereas, D-Day was the start of the greatest offensive to wrest Europe from the hands of a despot.  It was the beginning of the end, and Hitler’s one last ditch stand in the Ardennes Forest was to prove once and for all that American courage and determination have no equal, and soon the continent would be freed; and

Whereas, D-Day was also a deadline.  While conditions for the invasion were far from favorable, time was of the essence.  The Allies had to establish a presence on the continent to balance the Russian influence driving to Berlin from the east and to head off another era of European domination by an equally unwanted and harsh regime.  It was indeed a day that America and Americans, as well as their comrades-in-arms, proved their mettle.  The row upon row of white crosses on the ridge above the beaches stand as solemn reminders of this long day and of those who fought for the cause of freedom; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2004, in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we remember in our hearts those who gave their lives and express our gratitude to the many surviving veterans who live in the Great Lake State.