Tester traveling to France for 70th Anniversary of D-Day

Senator joins Congressional Delegation to pay respects to World War II veterans

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester is heading to France to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion that began the liberation of Western Europe during World War II.

Tester is part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation that will attend ceremonies on Friday to honor the American and Allied troops that stormed the beaches along the French coastline. American forces suffered thousands of casualties during the invasion on June 6, 1944 before fighting their way inland to defeat the Nazi army, liberate Europe and ultimately bring an end to the deadliest war in history.

“The men who stormed the beaches in Normandy knew they could be making the ultimate sacrifice that day,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “But they pressed on, and 70 years later, I am honored and grateful to visit the same hallowed grounds to offer my deepest respects for what they accomplished. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

Tester will attend ceremonies at the Normandy American Cemetery as well as at the beaches where the invasion took place. The Normandy American Cemetery is located at the site of the temporary American St. Laurent Cemetery that was established by the U.S. military two days after the invasion.

Tester recently attended another ceremony to honor American veterans when he gave the keynote speech at the dedication of the Yellowstone National Cemetery.

President Obama, nine other U.S. Senators, two dozen U.S. House members, and foreign dignitaries will be in attendance on Friday as well. More background on the D-Day invasions can be found online HERE.