Alabama political leaders honor and reflect on 80th anniversary of D-Day

Many of Alabama’s public officials are honoring the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by allied troops in WWII.

One of the many reasons we honor and remember D-Day. James R. Knight, from Fyffe, Alabama, gave his life on the beaches of Normandy. He was 22-years-old. pic.twitter.com/UiUr0BaVpz

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) June 6, 2024

On June 6, 1944 troops from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries landed on the beaches of northern France that was at the time occupied by the armies of Nazi Germany.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt shared photos from the trip she and fellow Alabama U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and U.S. Rep Terri Sewell (D-Selma) took as a bipartisan congressional delegation representing the United States.

Honored to be in Normandy with @SenTuberville, @RepTerriSewell, and a bipartisan group of colleagues to commemorate D-Day's 80th anniversary.

Meeting some of the heroes who fought on the very beaches we visited today was truly humbling, and I was proud to express the enduring… pic.twitter.com/GWe8V49rDd

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) June 6, 2024

Gov. Kay Ivey released a video message paying tribute to the troops who fought in the infamous battle.

“Today marks a solemn and significant day in our nation’s history – the 80th anniversary of D-Day,” Ivey said. “On this day in 1944, thousands of brave men joined forces on the beaches of Normandy, in a powerful display of courage and commitment that changed the course of World War II. Our servicemembers displayed the indomitable spirit of an entire generation determined to preserve freedom and democracy.”

On this day in 1944, thousands of brave men joined forces on the beaches of Normandy, in a powerful display of courage and commitment that changed the course of World War II.

Their legacy is our liberty, and their sacrifice is forever woven into the fabric of our history. pic.twitter.com/d2wXoAZUlg

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 6, 2024

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth said those veterans were a part of the “Greatest Generation.”

80 years ago today, the Allied forces launched the greatest amphibious landing in history and began the campaign to liberate occupied Europe.

We salute the veterans of the Greatest Generation who are still with us, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/XpRprY8SQJ

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) June 6, 2024

Referencing the soldiers that day, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said, “Without them, there is no American way of life.”

Today marks 80 years since Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the liberation of Europe.

We owe our greatest generation more than we can ever repay. Without them, there is no American way of life. pic.twitter.com/iklkTaisvL

— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) June 6, 2024

President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate said those heroes “saved the world.”

80 years ago today, heroes saved the world. We salute these brave servicemen who courageously changed the course of history. Their courageous and selfless sacrifices to preserve freedom will always be remembered. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JvOxWUVAaw

— Senator Greg Reed (@SenatorGregReed) June 6, 2024

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) reflected on the anniversary by reading President Franklin Roosevelt’s D-Day prayer from the House floor.

This week, I had the honor of reading FDR's D-Day prayer on the House floor.

On this 80th anniversary of the day Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, it is my prayer that we would remember our brave service members and reaffirm our commitment to defending freedom. pic.twitter.com/u9t6z8bsNH

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) June 6, 2024

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) also spoke on the House floor to mark the occasion, reading the words of a veteran from Alabama who fought that day.