WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) will join a bipartisan Senate delegation traveling to Normandy, France, to mark the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces during World War II:

“On the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, we will honor the brave Allied and American fighters who stormed the beaches of Normandy in the name of freedom around the world. We will never forget the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, and I look forward to standing alongside my colleagues and world leaders as we pay tribute on this anniversary,” said Senator Blackburn. 

“It will be the privilege of a lifetime to pay homage to the Allied and American fighters – brave beyond words – who stormed Normandy’s beaches, liberated Europe, and saved the free world. I’m especially honored to lead this bipartisan Senate delegation to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of Americans’ heroism and sacrifice, executing one of the greatest military feats in history, at incalculable cost and indescribable significance,” said Senator Blumenthal. “On this solemn occasion, we reaffirm our historic bonds with allies – still at our side – making our strong nation even stronger. We will return better able to raise awareness about the meaning of D-day – of freedom and democracy, and the sacrifices necessary to defend them.”

“It is our duty to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Allied forces members who helped turn the tide of World War II and free Western Europe from Nazi occupation. We will never forget the courage and heroism of those who took part in D-Day, including the thousands of individuals who gave their lives in support of this mission,” said Senator Boozman. “I am honored to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of Operation Overlord in a ceremony with world leaders and my congressional colleagues and pay tribute to members of the Greatest Generation who changed the course of history.”

• The delegation will arrive in Normandy on Thursday, June 6, and join American and French leaders and veterans at a ceremony at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer. The delegation will meet with World War II veterans and pay their respects at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
• On Sunday, June 9, the delegation will watch as hundreds of U.S. servicemembers stationed in Europe, and from U.S.-based units with historical links to D-Day, join servicemembers and civilians from all over Europe participating in a commemorative parachute jump.
• While in France, the delegation will also meet with American diplomatic and military leadership stationed in Europe.

• The Senate delegation will also include U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).