Norton Highlights Sacrifices of D.C. Veterans on 75th Anniversary of D-Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement today on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day:

"The heroism of our armed forces who fought in World War II against Nazi Germany is unparalleled. In a unique category, however, are the tens of thousands of District of Columbia residents who served in World War II – especially the 3,575 brave D.C. residents who gave their lives to liberate Europe and Asia in service of our country. Our residents, who fought side by side with their fellow Americans against tyranny, securing for others rights they themselves did not have, hold a unique place in our country's history.

"As we approach enough cosponsors (206) to bring our DC statehood bill to the House floor, we cannot help but remember that when our World War II veterans returned home to the District of Columbia, notwithstanding their service, they were not treated equally or given a voice in their government. Nearly 200,000 D.C. residents have served in the military since World War I, and not one of them has returned home to enjoy the same rights that residents in states do. Today, the nearly 30,000 veterans who reside in the District still do not have full representation in the legislature of the country they have defended or full self-government. This stain on our democracy, particularly on D-Day, inspires our work to enact our D.C. statehood bill (H.R. 51)."