Collins' Statement On The 68th Anniversary Of D-Day

            “As we reflect on the 68th anniversary of D-Day, we pay tribute to those modest American heroes who saved the world.  They truly are the “Greatest Generation.”  They provided all of us who came later with an inspiring view from their strong shoulders.  From that vantage point, we learned that the burden of service must be borne willingly, and with modesty.  We learned that challenges must be met and threats must be confronted.  We who came later have an obligation to take those lessons to heart, and to provide strong shoulders for the generations to come.

            “How do we begin to thank a generation that saved a great nation?  One veteran at a time.  My heartfelt thanks go to each and every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and Coast Guard who served and won the war.  A special thank you to my Dad, Don Collins, who served with the 87th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 

            “Today, we honor all of you.”