[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 324 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 324

   Welcoming and commending the Government of Japan for extending an 
official apology to all United States former prisoners of war from the 
Pacific War and moving forward in planning to invite surviving members 
                               to Japan.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 22, 2011

Mr. Honda (for himself, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. 
 Filner, Mr. Israel, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Hinchey, 
Mr. Nadler, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Young of Florida, Mr. Moran, Mr. Platts, 
and Mrs. Davis of California) submitted the following resolution; which 
            was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Welcoming and commending the Government of Japan for extending an 
official apology to all United States former prisoners of war from the 
Pacific War and moving forward in planning to invite surviving members 
                               to Japan.

Whereas the United States and Japan have enjoyed a productive and successful 
        peace for 65 years, which has nurtured a strong and critical alliance 
        that is vitally important to both countries, the Asia-Pacific region, 
        and the world;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is based on shared interests and values 
        and the common support for political and economic freedoms, human 
        rights, and international law;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance has been maintained by the 
        contributions and sacrifices of members of the United States Armed 
        Forces dedicated to Japan's defense and democracy;
Whereas from December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945, the Pacific War caused 
        profound damage and suffering to combatants and noncombatants alike;
Whereas among those who suffered and sacrificed greatly were the men and women 
        of the United States Armed Forces who were captured by Imperial Japanese 
        forces during the Pacific War;
Whereas many United States prisoners of war were subject to brutal and inhumane 
        conditions and forced labor;
Whereas according to the Congressional Research Service, an estimated 27,000 
        United States prisoners of war were held by Imperial Japanese forces and 
        nearly 40 percent perished;
Whereas the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor and its subsequent 
        Descendants Group have worked tirelessly to represent the thousands of 
        United States veterans who were held by Imperial Japanese forces as 
        prisoners of war during the Pacific War;
Whereas, on May 30, 2009, an official apology from the Government of Japan was 
        delivered by Japan's Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki to 
        the last convention of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor 
        stating, ``Today, I would like to convey to you the position of the 
        government of Japan on this issue. As former Prime Ministers of Japan 
        have repeatedly stated, the Japanese people should bear in mind that we 
        must look into the past and to learn from the lessons of history. We 
        extend a heartfelt apology for our country having caused tremendous 
        damage and suffering to many people, including prisoners of wars, those 
        who have undergone tragic experiences in the Bataan Peninsula, 
        Corregidor Island, in the Philippines, and other places''; and
Whereas in 2010, the Government of Japan through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
        has established a new program of remembrance and understanding that, for 
        the first time, includes United States former prisoners of war and their 
        family members or other caregivers by inviting them to Japan for 
        exchange and friendship: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) welcomes and commends the Government of Japan for 
        extending an official apology to all United States former 
        prisoners of war from the Pacific War and moving forward in 
        planning to invite surviving members to Japan;
            (2) requests that the Government of Japan not hesitate in 
        promulgating widely their historic apology and their new 
        program of reconciliation and remembrance and educate the 
        public about these efforts;
            (3) expresses appreciation that the Government of Japan is 
        moving swiftly in establishing their program of invitation and 
        is seeking ways to expand the program's budget so that more 
        United States former prisoners of war, their spouses, and 
        descendants can be included and that documentation of their 
        experience can be conducted;
            (4) requests that the Government of Japan respect the 
        wishes and sensibilities of the United States prisoners of war 
        by providing an appropriate program for lasting remembrance and 
        reconciliation that recognizes their sacrifices and forced 
        labor;
            (5) acknowledges the work of the United States Department 
        of State in advocating for the United States prisoners of war 
        from the Pacific War; and
            (6) applauds the persistence, dedication, and patriotism of 
        the members and descendants of the American Defenders of Bataan 
        and Corregidor for their pursuit of justice and lasting peace.
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