Many Alabama public officials are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.

One of the many reasons we honor and remember the Normandy landings is because James R. Knight, of Fife, Alabama, lost his life on the beaches of Normandy. He was 22 years old. pic.twitter.com/UiUr0BaVpz

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) June 6, 2024

On June 6, 1944, troops from the United States, Canada, Britain and other countries landed on the coast of northern France, which was then occupied by Nazi German forces.

RELATED: Alabama officials join bipartisan delegation to commemorate 80th anniversary of Normandy landings

Sen. Katie Britt shared photos from a trip she took as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation representing the United States with Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Selma).

I'm honored to be in Normandy. Saint Tuberville, Rep. Teri Sewelland a bipartisan group of colleagues came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

It was truly humbling to meet the heroes who fought on the very shores we visited today, and an honor to represent their enduring efforts… pic.twitter.com/GWe8V49rDd

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) June 6, 2024

Governor Kay Ivey released a video message paying tribute to the soldiers who fought in the infamous battle.

“Today marks a solemn and significant day in our nation's history – the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings,” Ivey said. “On this day in 1944, thousands of brave men joined forces on the beaches of Normandy in a powerful display of courage and commitment that changed the course of World War II. Our servicemen and women demonstrated the indomitable spirit of an entire generation committed to defending freedom and democracy.”

On this day in 1944, thousands of brave men joined forces on the beaches of Normandy in a show of mighty courage and determination that changed the course of World War II.

Their legacy is our freedom, and their sacrifice is forever woven into the fabric of our history. pic.twitter.com/d2wXoAZUlg

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 6, 2024

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said these veterans are part of the “greatest generation.”

Eighty years ago today, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, beginning the operation to liberate occupied Europe.

We pay tribute to the Greatest Generation of Veterans still living today and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/XpRprY8SQJ

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) June 6, 2024

“Without them, there would be no American life,” House Speaker Nathaniel Leadbetter said of the soldiers that day.

Today marks 80 years since Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the liberation of Europe.

We owe an indebtedness to the Greatest Generation that we can never repay — without them, there would be no American life. pic.twitter.com/iklkTaisvL

— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) June 6, 2024

The president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate said these heroes “saved the world.”

80 years ago today, heroes saved the world. We salute these brave servicemen and women whose bravery changed the course of history. Their brave and selfless sacrifice in defense of freedom will be remembered forever. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JvOxWUVAaw

— Senator Greg Reed (@SenatorGregReed) June 6, 2024

Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) reflected on the anniversary by reading President Franklin Roosevelt's prayer for the Normandy landings from the House floor.

This week, I had the honor of reading President Franklin Roosevelt's Normandy Senate … Anniversary Prayer on the House Floor.

On this 80th anniversary of the day Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, I pray that we remember our brave servicemen and women and reaffirm our commitment to defend our freedom. pic.twitter.com/u9t6z8bsNH

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) June 6, 2024

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) also spoke on the House floor for the occasion, reading quotes from Alabama veterans who fought that day.

Looking back on the Normandy landings 80 years later https://t.co/AoF4QtGLex via Youtube

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) June 6, 2024

Yaffe is a contributing writer for Yellow Hammer News and hosts “The Yaffe Program” weekdays from 9-11 a.m. WhistlerYou can follow him on X @Yaffe