Address by His Excellency Mr. Howard Leach, Ambassador of the United States of America
2003 D-Day Commemorations in Normandy
Speech delivered on Friday, June 6, 2003, at the Franco-American ceremony at Utah Beach.
“(in French) Mr. Minister,
Madam Minister,
Members of the House,
(in English) My best wishes.
We have come together today to commemorate the bravery of the men, the sacrifices made here, the dedication of the people of the United States of America, Great Britain, Canada, France, and our allies to freedom and peace, their opposition to the tyranny and brutality of some, and to recognize the extreme difficulty of the challenge faced by the Allied troops when they landed on these beaches in 1944.
It is also important to remember the words of President Bush when he came to speak here in Normandy in May 2002, reminding us that the Allied troops did not land here to conquer but to liberate.
I am proud to say that this is a tradition of my country.
The June 6 landings are also a testament to the strong friendship between the United States and France. This friendship has lasted for over 200 years and will continue to do so. This friendship is of great value to both France and the United States, and the world is a better place because of it.
(in French) Long live France! Long live the United States!”
