Henrico Times

House Armed Services Committee Vice Chairman Rob Wittman (R-VA) recently returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Normandy, France, where he participated in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. The event included veterans and their families, active duty servicemembers, government and military officials, and foreign dignitaries.

“Eighty years ago, thousands of Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy and changed the course of history,” Congressman Wittman stated. “While paying our respects in Normandy, we remembered their courage and the sacrifices they made for the betterment of mankind.”

During his visit, Congressman Wittman paid his respects at the gravesite of 2nd Lt. John Moore Paxton Jr., a Virginian buried at Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial outside Paris. He also honored Cpl. John P. Driscoll, another Virginian laid to rest at Suresnes.

At Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, Wittman was greeted by Charles K. Djou, secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission and former member of Congress from Hawaii.

Wittman also met with Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Harvey Barnum (USMC), who resides in Virginia’s First District. Capt. Barnum received his medal for heroic actions during combat in Vietnam.

Additionally, Wittman joined Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL) to pay tribute to World War II veterans.

Following his time in Normandy, Wittman met with members of the French National Assembly in Paris to discuss strengthening U.S.-France economic, diplomatic, and military partnerships.