VIDEO: Sen. Moran Introduces Resolution to Honor World War II Italian Campaign

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus - last night spoke on the Senate floor on the introduction of a Senate Resolution to establish September 9th as National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day. The resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.). In his remarks, Sen. Moran recognized the heroism and sacrifice of the veterans of the World War II Italian Campaign, including his father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran of the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion.

"I am introducing a resolution to establish September 9th as the 'National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day' to commemorate their valor and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come," said Sen. Moran. "Eighty-two years ago, Allied forces launched Operation Avalanche, marking the start of the liberation of the Italian peninsula from fascist Nazi occupation. This military campaign was a testament to the unyielding resolve of U.S. Forces and the strength of our foreign military alliances, united by a shared commitment to democratic ideals and the fight against fascism."

"Today, fewer than half a percent of the more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive today," continued Sen. Moran. "The veterans of the Italian Campaign, including my father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran of the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion, are dwindling in number. My father dedicated two years of his life to the liberation of Italy, repairing rifles and other small arms weapons under the regular threat of attack to make certain U.S. Forces were equipped to win."

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran's Full Remarks

Sen. Moran's full remarks as delivered:

"Today, I want to recognize the upcoming anniversary of an important day in our nation's history. September 9th marks the beginning of the Italian Campaign of World War II in 1943, a campaign that only successful because of the courage and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Allied.

"I am introducing a resolution to establish September 9th, as the "National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day" to commemorate their valor and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come.

"Eighty-two years ago, Allied forces launched Operation Avalanche, marking the start of the liberation of the Italian peninsula from fascist Nazi occupation. This military campaign was a testament to the unyielding resolve of U.S. Forces and the strength of our foreign military alliances, united by a shared commitment to democratic ideals and the fight against fascism.

"The Italian Campaign was not just a series of joint and allied military operations; it was a stand against despotism and a defense of the freedoms we value, an important moment in history.

"The Italian Campaign was fought across treacherous terrain, from the shores of North Africa to the waters of Sicily, along the rugged Amalfi Coast which ultimately led to the liberation of Rome. The first major European city liberated during World War II.

"U.S. Forces, alongside brave and committed global Allied forces from over ten nations, including Italian resistance brigades, faced grueling conditions, fierce combat, and severe materiel constraints. Battles such as Monte Cassino and Anzio stand as two of the most intense of the war, costing countless lives.

"Today, fewer than half a percent of the more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive today. The veterans of the Italian Campaign, including my father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran of the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion, are dwindling in number.

"My father dedicated two years of his life to the liberation of Italy, repairing rifles and other small arms weapons under the regular threat of attack to make certain U.S. Forces were equipped to win.

"I am joined on this resolution by my colleague, Senator Rick Scott of Florida, whose father Orba Scott Junior, a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, also served in this campaign, in recognizing the personal and collective sacrifices of these heroes.

"Our fathers' sacrifices were not unlike the 1.2 million men and women who also served in the Italian campaign and I want to express my gratitude to the Allies Museum for their support and work to memorialize this important World War II campaign by building a museum in Rome to commemorate the 'forgotten campaign.'

"The Italian Campaign spanned 602 days, culminating in the surrender at Caserta, just north of Naples on April 29, 1945, when nearly one million Axis Troops capitulated-the largest surrender of German forces at that point in the war.

"The following day, Adolf Hitler's death marked the collapse of the fascist Nazi regime, a turning point made possible by the military operations comprising the Italian Campaign.

"This resolution acknowledges the tremendous cost of the Italian Campaign, with hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Allied casualties, many of whom rest in the serene and pristine American cemeteries across Italy.

"Our resolution reaffirms that the victory was driven by an unwavering force of will, ironclad military alliances, and the enduring power of democratic values and principles that remain vital in today's global conflicts today.

"I hope my colleagues in the Senate will join me in honoring the memory of those who fought and died in the Italian Campaign, to salute the surviving veterans, and to recognize the families who carry forward their legacy.

"Let us designate September 9th as "National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day" to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten and memorialized on the floor of the U.S. Senate."

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