Image still from press conference

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is pushing to formally recognize one of World War II’s most grueling military efforts. On Monday, Sen. Moran introduced a resolution to designate September 9 as National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day, marking the 82nd anniversary of the campaign’s start.

The Italian campaign began in 1943 with Operation Avalanche, when Allied forces landed in southern Italy to begin liberating the peninsula from Nazi occupation. The campaign lasted 602 days and included some of the war’s bloodiest battles, such as Monte Cassino and Anzio. Nearly one million Axis troops eventually surrendered in April 1945, just days before Hitler’s death and the collapse of the Nazi regime.

Sen. Moran said the resolution is meant to honor the courage and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Allied soldiers who fought across Italy’s rugged terrain under harsh conditions. He noted that fewer than half a percent of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive today.

The campaign holds personal meaning for Moran. His father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran, served in Italy with the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion, repairing weapons under fire. Sen. Moran is co-sponsoring the resolution with Florida Senator Rick Scott, whose father also fought in the campaign.

“By designating September 9 as a Remembrance Day, we ensure the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten,” Sen. Moran said.