Kane County Reporter

Illinois 8th Congressional District candidate Mark Rice stated, "June 6 is the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II." Rice, who will face incumbent Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi in the November election, shared his thoughts on the D-Day anniversary in a June 6 Facebook post.

"June 6 is the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II," said Rice, according to Facebook. "This event, which led to the liberation of Europe, is being remembered, and veterans honored, during ceremonies throughout the country. Of the 4,414 Allied troops killed on D-Day, 2,501 were Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded."

According to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library’s webpage on D-Day, the Invasion of Normandy was "the largest amphibious invasion in military history." Thousands of ships and landing craft and nearly 200,000 naval personnel were involved from more than half a dozen allied countries. The operation, known as Operation Overlord, along with Russian forces on the eastern front, led to the May 7, 1945 unconditional surrender by German General Alfred Jodl.

Screenshot of Mark Rice's June 6 Facebook post | Mark Rice for Congress Facebook page

Rice's thoughts on the anniversary of D-Day continued in his Facebook post. "In the ensuing Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. The battle — and especially Allied bombings of French villages and cities — killed around 20,000 French civilians. World War II veterans and world leaders gathered today also in Normandy, France, to commemorate the anniversary. Many argue the ‘D’ in D-Day stands for ‘departed,’ ‘disembarkation,’ ‘decision’ and ‘death.’ However, another explanation is that the ‘D’ stands for ‘day,’ according to the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically ‘the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be launched,’" said Rice.

Rice’s bid for the 8th Congressional District highlights key focuses including promoting economic growth, upholding fiscal responsibility, enacting tax relief, and tackling issues related to immigration reform and border security. He has lived in Illinois for 35 years and currently serves as CEO of Energy CX. According to his website, he oversees a team of 70 in his current position.

The 8th Congressional District covers northern Cook County, northern DuPage County and northeast Kane County. It is currently held by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who was elected to Congress in 2016 and is now serving his fourth term as Illinois’ 8th District U.S. Representative.