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Gates visits Normandy on D-Day anniversary

COLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France, June 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates dedicated a French visitors' center Wednesday that honors the 10,000 American soldiers killed in Normandy.

Gates and French Defense Minister Herve Morin visited the American Cemetery on the 63rd anniversary of D-Day. The center honors 9,387 Americans killed and 1,557 who went missing in Normandy.

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"All are remembered and honored here," Gates said. "All gave the last full measure of their devotion."

"Sixty-three years ago, we fought together in the belief that the blood of free men could wash away the stains of tyranny," he said. "And today, finally, the dream of a Europe whole and free is a reality."

Gates told the audience that the free world faces new threats.

"We once again face enemies seeking to destroy our way of life, and we are once again engaged in an ideological struggle that may not find resolution for many years or even decades," Gates said. "Just (as) during World War II, free nations of the world are banding together -- and dying together -- to confront their common threat."

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