- And now a tribute to all who served in World War II.

(dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) - Our country had been attacked.

And it was a time in your life when Uncle Sam was asking for volunteers.

- It was a unbelievable time.

You know, as a kid, 18, going to war.

We didn't know anything about war.

Didn't know how to play the game.

Learn fast, learn fast.

(artillery booming) - I think that you have to learn to be part of a team and to respect your buddy soldiers.

We learned to work as a unified force and you take people for what they are, not color or religion.

- I think our own motivation was to feel that we were making a contribution.

We wanted to show proof that we loved our country.

(dramatic music) - What would've happened had we not been able to make that landing and go into Normandy and capture Normandy.

What would this world be like if we hadn't done that?

- I just felt I left a piece of me in Normandy when we came home.

Your life is different.

Your whole outlook is different.

It changes you.

(dramatic music) - World War II saved the world, freed the world, gave us freedom throughout the world.

Not just America.

And of course, it saved democracy.

- I almost cry when I think of those young men.

I think of them every day.

They were a part of my life then and they'll always be a part of my life.

(rhythmic drumming) - We just think about how much they could have been, how much they could have contributed to their community, their family, their country, if they had lived on.

- So I tell my story for those who can't speak for themselves.

We gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows.

(dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) (audience applauds) - Tonight, we also pay tribute to the 250,000 Merchant Marines who served in the Second World War.

They delivered critical supplies and personnel for Allied operations in Europe and the Pacific.

During that conflict, 733 Merchant Marine ships were sunk due to enemy attacks.

609 mariners were prisoners of war and over 9,500 were killed.

- The contribution to our cause cannot be overstated.

For as General Dwight Eisenhower said "No organization deserved more credit for our final victory than the Merchant Marines."

Their heroic efforts were formerly recognized in 2020 when Congress passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act.

With us tonight our Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II.

Please join me in thanking them all and all who served with them for their courage and dedication to our nation.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) (dramatic music)