thanks also to susan eisenhower whose grand father began this mission 65 years ago with a simple charge, ok, let's go. and to a world war ii veteran who returned home to sive proud and distinguished career as a united states senator and a national leader, bob dole. [applause] i'm not the first american president to come and mark this anniversary. and i likely will not be the last. this is an event that is long brought to this coast both heads of state and grateful citizens. veterans and their loved ones. the liberated and their liberators. it's been written about and spoken of and depicted in countless books and films and speeches. and long after our time on this earth has passed, one word will still bring forth the pride and awe of men and women who will never meet the heroes who sit before us. d-day. why is this? of all the battles in all the wars across p the span of human history, why does this day hold such a revered place in our memory? what is it about the struggle that took place on the sands a few short steps from here that brings us back to remember year after year after year?