SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATES 70th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY INVASION Resolution Accompanied By Historical Exhibits; Passage of Veterans Legislation


The New York State Senate today honored World War II veterans today by adopting  a resolution that commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Allied Army invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, a defining day in world history that marked the beginning of the liberation of Europe and the eventual end of World War II; as well as passing a package of legislation to benefit veterans, and men and women in active military duty.

“The men who fought during World War II are known as the Greatest Generation, and June 6, 1944 was the greatest day of the greatest generation,” Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos said.  “On that day the largest amphibious invasion force ever turned the tide of world history from  oppression to freedom, from brutality to liberty, and, less than a year later, from war to peace. And it all began with incredible bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy 70 years ago.” The Senate is proud to pay tribute to World War II veterans today.”

The Senate resolution described the extraordinary impact of D-Day: On June 6, 1944, the military might of the Allies combined for the most extensive aerial and sea borne assault ever planned; the D-Day Invasion at the beaches of Normandy, France  changed  the  direction  of World War II, and the history of the twentieth century; planned for over two  years  by  the  Allied  Forces, the D-Day Invasion was an intricate coordination of the world's greatest military forces, and an exercise in cooperation that marked the turning point of the war, and  the  world's history.

On June 6, 1944, 160,000 troops from the United States, Great Britain and Canada landed on the French coastline at Normandy to fight Nazi Germany.  More than 6,500 ships and landing craft, as well as 13,000 aircraft participated in the attack.  By the end of that day, the Allies established a foot-hold in Normandy.  During the D-Day invasion more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded.

Senator William J. Larkin Jr., a World War II veteran and sponsor of the resolution, said: “The Americans who fought on D-Day, and throughout the war, made history with their courage and brave actions. The cost of freedom proved to be very, very high. Every soldier that was killed or wounded, and every one that survives today, helped save the world.  They truly deserve to be recognized, honored and remembered.  I take great pride in welcoming fellow World War II veterans to the Senate Chamber today.”

Senator Greg Ball, Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, said: “These men and women represent a generation of heroes to whom we owe our freedom. There is no way for any of us to ever fully repay them for their sacrifice and selflessness, but we can attempt to honor them and thank them as a state, nation and community. There is no way to know exactly how history would have been changed had these heroes not stood up for freedom and humanity and were victorious. All we know is thank God they did."

The Senate’s adoption of the D-Day resolution was accompanied by an exhibit that includes historical photos and video footage, informational panels, and a display of military equipment and memorabilia that were used by American Armed Forces at the time of the D-Day invasion. The exhibit, which concludes tonight, is located at on the Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza (between the main Concourse corridor and the Legislative Office Building).  

In addition to the resolution and exhibit, the Senate passed the following legislation to benefit veterans:

Tax Relief for Veterans







Expanding Veterans’ Benefits







Honoring Veterans and their Families








Earlier this session, the Senate approved veterans legislation, sponsored by Senator Ball, including the following measures:

S6865 (signed into law): creates the "Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act" to ensure New York’s service-connected disabled- veteran owned small businesses are better able to compete for millions of dollars in state contracts by creating a six percent state contract set-aside.

S2655A: protects the voting rights of active duty service members who make the ultimate sacrifice by requiring that the ballots of deceased military personnel be counted toward the election for which they were cast.

S2652 :  authorizes local governments to allow a veteran, or the unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran, who was receiving a veterans exemption on real property within the county (or New York City) to continue to receive the exemption if they move to a new home within the same county (or within New York City).

S3507A: removes the issue of military deployment as a factor in the consideration for awarding child custody when a suitable child care plan is presented.