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75 years ago, over two thousand American servicemembers gave their lives to push back hostile forces on the beaches of Normandy, and begin the fight to liberate Europe.
Pennsylvanians contributed significantly to the World War II effort with nearly 1.2 million from the Commonwealth having served by June of 1945.
In 2014, I traveled to Normandy with President Obama and a group of my fellow Senators to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
I got the chance to see the Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and the English Channel, where 160,000 Allied troops invaded Nazi-occupied France, and the bluffs at Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers heroically climbed 100 feet straight up the cliffs during the invasion. 
Seeing these sites and taking part in the 70th anniversary was a poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made both past and present by our service members and their families.
It is important that we commemorate these key events in American history, while reflecting on the consequences of war and sacrifices of American servicemembers and their families.
Our troops have and continue to make great sacrifices and contributions for our country, and it is our solemn duty to honor their valor.
