Members of Congress, past and present, explain why WWII matters

More than 60 lawmakers and U.S. figures explain why World War II still matters today, especially to them, in a film produced by the Normandy Institute, which has worked with The American Legion for over a decade on D-Day commemoration ceremonies in France.

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., an American Legion Boys State alum, is among the diverse, bipartisan voices in “Why WWII Matters Today.” American Legion Boys Nation alum, former NBC broadcaster and author Tom Brokaw offers insights about the war, as do Sens. Robert and Elizabeth Dole, both of whom are recipients of The American Legion’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal.

Personal, emotional stories about Holocaust survival, dive bombers, paratroopers, radar scientists, the home front, frozen toes, POW camps, "Flying the Hump” and more are shared in the film from members of the U.S. Congress, past and present, which airs June 6 on the Normandy Institute website at www.nomandyinstitute.org.

“We will discover how proudly and emotionally the members talk about their connection to World War II,” said Dorothea De La Houssaye, founder of the Normandy Institute. “This filmed document is a unique opportunity for members of Congress to come together on the hallowed ground of World War II and find unity in their common family experience.”