[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TIME FOR THE NATIONAL OBSERVANCE OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR 
                                   II

  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on 
Post Office and Civil Service be discharged from further consideration 
of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 315) designating May 30, 1994, 
through June 6, 1994, as a ``Time for the National Observance of the 
Fiftieth Anniversary of World War II,'' and ask for its immediate 
consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bilbray). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Maryland?
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I shall 
not object, I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 315, a joint 
resolution to designate May 30, 1994, through June 6, 1994, as a ``Time 
for the National Observance of the 50th Anniversary of World War II.'' 
It is with pleasure and pride that I cosponsored this joint resolution, 
and I commend the distinguished gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Myers] and 
the distinguished Senator from Kansas [Mr. Dole], for having authored 
this measure.
  World War II was a war unlike any other we have fought. It killed 
more persons, cost more money, damaged more property, affected more 
people, and probably caused more far-reaching changes than any other 
war in history. Those of us who remember and served in World War II 
still harbor vivid memories of the determination and unity with which 
the American people conducted themselves. Throughout this titanic 
struggle, during which the battle lines between good and evil were 
clearly drawn, Americans in all 48 States and abroad came together for 
a common purpose.
  Mr. Speaker, at its height, more than 50 countries took part in the 
war and more than 55 million people died. The cost of the war is 
estimated to be approximately $1,154 trillion. In addition, World War 
II eliminated the perilous scourge of nazism from the face of the world 
and freed the thousands of Jews held prisoner in brutal captivity. 
Unfortunately, millions of others were not saved. The war stopped the 
tyrannical worldwide conquest by Japan and by dictators Hitler and 
Mussolini. More importantly, beyond the results of the war, World War 
II reconfirmed the United States promise to protect liberty and freedom 
throughout the world.
  Veterans and civilians of the World War II era, and all citizens 
throughout our Nation, recognize the importance of the conflict. 
Hundreds of thousands of Americans died to preserve and uphold the 
democratic ideals and institutions which the United States dearly 
maintains. This war required the mobilization not only of armies but of 
technologies, economies, and whole peoples. As a result, our entire 
Nation took part in this noble effort and thus this resolution is an 
excellent vehicle to once again say ``thank you'' and pay tribute to 
those left among us who gave of their time, their efforts, and their 
hearts to the struggle which helped bring about V-E Day and V-J Day.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. MYERS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and proud that the 
House of Representatives is taking up and considering House Joint 
Resolution 315, designating May 30, 1994, through June 6, 1994, as a 
``Time for the National Observance of the Fiftieth Anniversary of World 
War II.'' Two hundred and twenty-five members of the House and over 51 
Senators have already shown their support for this commemorative 
legislation by cosponsoring this bill.
  This legislation brings special focus to the Americans who through 
dedication, hard work, and commitment helped the United States and the 
Allied Forces to be victorious over tyranny and aggression. We must 
remember to honor the millions of Americans who defended democracy. We 
learned through the hard lessons of war that we must remain vigilant 
and always prepared to resist future aggression and that all nations 
dedicated to freedom must stand together.
  American women as well as men served our country in the military. 
During World War II opportunities and choices for women increased. Our 
Government asked women to put aside private concerns and accept more 
public roles and women accepted the call by working in defense plants, 
became nurses, and came to the aid of our country in previously 
untraditional roles for women such as heavy manufacturing work.
  It has been documented that from 1940 until the Japanese surrendered, 
the United States produced more than 300,000 aircraft, over 86,000 
tanks, and 12.5 million rifles. In addition, over 100 aircraft 
carriers, 352 destroyers were built during this time. These figures 
exemplify our tremendous efforts here at home to support the effort of 
our men and women fighting over in Europe and in the Pacific.
  During this commemoration, Americans of all ages must remember that 
many, many Americans gave their lives so that our Nation could remain 
free and strong. It is my hope that this legislation will help us to be 
mindful of this important event in our past and to always remember its 
importance for our future.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker. It is an honor for me to rise in support 
of House Joint Resolution 315, a joint resolution designating May 30, 
1994 through June 6, 1994 as a ``Time for the National Observance of 
the Fiftieth Anniversary of World War II.'' I wish to commend our 
colleague from Indiana [Mr. Myers], who has taken the lead in this 
matter and has brought this measure to the floor.
  It is also appropriate today, as we remember our former First Lady, 
Jacqueline (Kennedy) Onassis, to remember the service that her husband, 
President John F. Kennedy, performed during World War II as a young 
Navy lieutenant. President Kennedy said that stories of the past teach 
courage, offer hope, and provide inspiration. The men and women of 
World War II will forever remain an inspiration because of their 
selfless heroism.
  For many, the events of World War II are indelibly marked in our 
minds. However, at least 70 percent of our population was not born 
until after this milestone--many of our Vietnam War heroes were born 
after America became involved in World War II. We must communicate the 
valor and immeasurable sacrifices made by those who fought this war.
  The American involvement in World War II was supported by the 
country. As a nation, we could not tolerate the heinous massacre of 
millions and the dissoution of personal freedom. Wars, today, do not 
appear to be as clearly good or bad, right or wrong, as World War II. 
Following World War II, our country participated in the Korean and 
Vietnam conflicts, and, more recently, the Persian Gulf war. Within the 
past 5 years, we have witnessed the fall of the Iron Curtain, the 
collapse of Communist regimes, the unification of Germany, solidarity 
in South Africa and tragic situations in Bosnia, in Somalia and in 
Rwanda. Much has happened within these 50 years. Though it is not 
likely that we will obliterate the valuable lessons we learned from 
that war, it is particularly appropriate that the Fiftieth Anniversary 
of World War II be recognized by proper ceremonies so that all 
generations can learn from the experience of World War II.
  As a cosponsor of House Joint Resolution 315, I urge all my 
colleagues to support this measure.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the joint resolution as follows:

                             H.J. Res. 315

       Whereas the brave men and women of the United States of 
     America made tremendous sacrifices during World War II to 
     save the world from tyranny and aggression;
       Whereas the winds of freedom and democracy sweeping the 
     globe today spring from the principles for which over four 
     hundred thousand Americans gave their lives in World War II;
       Whereas World War II and the events that led up to that war 
     must be understood in order that we may better understand our 
     own times, and more fully appreciate the reasons why eternal 
     vigilance against any form of tyranny is so important;
       Whereas the World War II era, as reflected in its family 
     life, industry, and entertainment, was a unique period in 
     American history and epitomized our Nation's philosophy of 
     hard work, courage, and tenacity in the face of adversity;
       Whereas, between 1991 and 1995, over nine million American 
     veterans of World War II will be holding reunions and 
     conferences and otherwise commemorating the fiftieth 
     anniversary of various events relating to World War II; and
       Whereas June 4, 1994, marks the anniversary of the Battle 
     of Midway, and June 6, 1994, marks the anniversary of D-Day: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That May 30, 
     1994, through June 6, 1994, is designated as a ``Time for the 
     National Observance of the Fiftieth Anniversary of World War 
     II'', and the President is authorized and requested to issue 
     a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to 
     observe that period with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.

  The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third 
time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider 
was laid on the table.

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