WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.),  the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Monday announced he would deliver remarks at the ceremony commemorating the 79th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, on Tuesday, June 6, in Normandy, France. 

The ceremony was set for 11 a.m. Tuesday Normandy time (4 a.m. Tuesday CST).

This annual ceremony honors the 9,386 American soldiers buried in Normandy and the 1,557 listed on the Wall of the Missing and pays tribute to the largest and most ambitious military operation in modern history – planned and executed by Abilene native President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Moran said.

“This patch of earth at Normandy holds a place in the hearts of families across the United States,” said Sen. Moran. “A week ago, Kansans observed Memorial Day, where we remembered those who gave their lives in the service of our military and our country. On D-Day we reflect on what American, British, and Allied personnel dared to accomplish, and through their sacrifices, achieved on behalf of all of mankind.”

Other speakers scheduled:

• General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

• Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

• Patrick Thomines, Mayor of Colleville sur Mer

• Donnie Edwards, president of Best Defense Foundation

•Denise Bauer, U.S. ambassador to France and the Principality of Monaco