NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Tennessee is believed to have become the first state to formally observe June 6 as “D-Day Remembrance Day” thanks to recently passed legislation, just in time for the event’s 80th anniversary .
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) sponsored the bill with Rep. Sam Whitson (R-Franklin) after one of their constituents suggested the idea.
“What we really wanted to do is put an exclamation point on the importance of this tremendous day,” President Clemmons said. “I was raised with an appreciation for everything they call the greatest generation that did for our country and the sacrifices they made when they were young.”
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Clemmons told News 2 the legislation recognizes and honors the sacrifice and bravery of those who fought on D-Day, while also honoring his late grandfather, a World War II Army veteran. Clemmons’ grandfather not only served his tour of duty, but also that of his consecutive twin brother, allowing her to stay home, care for his mother, and work on the family farm.
Clemmons recalled some of the stories his grandfather told him about his time serving in the Army Signal Battalion.
“Tremendous stories that cling with all their strength to a telephone pole while being machine-gunned; “He chose to jump into one of the two burrows where one was dug up with gunshots, and his, fortunately, was safe, but his best friend’s at the time was not and he lost his life,” Clemmons said.
Clemmons’ bill received bipartisan support and passed both chambers unanimously.
“We have bought the freedoms we have with the blood of adolescents, of children; young people in their teens and 20s most of the time charging into machine gun nests just to try to preserve freedom here,” said House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland ) to legislators on the House floor.
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Some lawmakers took the opportunity to recognize their friends, family and constituents who fought in World War II, and to speak about the importance of D-Day as the bill was introduced in the House.
“That generation was truly the greatest generation and, to be honest, I think they would be disappointed in our generation, but I think they would be very proud of you, Clemmons, and everyone who stands by you,” the representative said. said Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna). “We have to get back to those basics.”
Applause erupted in the House of Representatives following the passage of the bill.
Clemmons added that declaring June 6 as “Tennessee D-Day Remembrance Day” will help raise awareness and teach younger generations about D-Day, while ensuring the importance of the event is forever etched in the Tennessee law.
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“Everything we enjoy today as Tennesseans and Americans was made possible by courageous people, like those who went to that beach on D-Day, whether by parachute, by boat or by plane,” Clemmons said. “It’s important to understand where we come from and what has happened throughout history.”
The bill was signed by Governor Bill Lee in March and took effect immediately.
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