WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) will travel to Europe this
weekend as a member of a congressional delegation to the 60th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6.

 

“I am honored to be able to attend this remembrance for those who served on that heroic day,”  Emerson said.  “Many Americans made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches of France, and so many more gave their lives over the course of WWII, to stop the advance of tyranny.  Sixty years seems like a long time ago, but we have a vivid memory of this war thanks to the character and valor of every American who contributed to the cause of freedom.  Never before had a nation been so unified in its purpose.  I think D-Day is an inspiring anniversary because it reminds us of what we are capable of doing when a people sacrifice together for a just cause.”

 

Emerson will attend a Legion of Honor ceremony on Saturday. 

 

On Sunday, June 6, Emerson will attend a memorial at the American Cemetery at Colleville su Mer, attend the U.S. France D-Day Commemoration Ceremony there, and meet with U.S. WWII veterans.  That afternoon, she will visit Utah Beach at Normandy, site of U.S. Operation Overlord landings on D-Day. 

 

“I feel fortunate to attend all of these ceremonies and say a silent prayer for the Americans who crossed an ocean to serve in WWII and never returned home.  I want to stand on Utah Beach, in a free Europe, on behalf of all the men and women from Southern Missouri who sacrificed in this war,” Emerson said.

 

Monday, the congressional delegation will discuss quality of life issues for American troops deployed overseas with the Commanding General, U.S. Army, Europe, B.B. Bell.  Tuesday, Emerson will visit wounded troops at the Landstuhl Army Medical Center and Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany before returning to Washington where Congress will be in session.

 

“Side by side with the memory of WWII’s brave soldiers is our obligation to the brave soldiers of today.  As a part of this delegation, I want to both honor the sacrifices of our veterans and fallen Americans as well as assure the safe, secure mission of the men and women serving our nation today,” Emerson said.  “I will definitely be carrying with me the concerns of Missouri families about the status, treatment, and equipment of our sons and daughters in uniform.”