america. in the life of our nation, not every generation has been summoned to defend our country in its hour of need. but every generation to answer that call has done so with honor and with courage. among you are members of that generation that save the world from fascism. i was honored to stand with our world war ii vets at normandy last year for the anniversary of d-day. and this year as we mark the 65th anniversary of our victory in that war we once again salute our veterans of the second world war. [ applause ]