[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 75 (Monday, May 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN EUROPE

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, today marks the anniversary of one of the 
most important moments in modern Western history. Fifty years ago 
today, the Allied Powers accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi 
Germany, ending the most devastating war in world history. It was a 
great victory for freedom and for civilization.
  The Allied victory was one of courage, valor and enormous sacrifice. 
Of the hundreds of major battles fought during the war, 15 resulted in 
casualties numbering no less than 5,000. From the beaches at Omaha to 
the great campaigns in Europe, American lives were sacrificed in the 
name of freedom.
  The victory in Europe marked the end of unparalleled human horror and 
of catastrophic human loss on that continent. It signified the end of 
one of civilization's darkest moments. In essence, V-E Day marked the 
very rebirth of life in Europe's scarred, and war-torn landscape. But 
that rebirth did not come without a price.
  We must never forget the sacrifices made to ensure our final victory. 
Of the 400,000 American soldiers who died in this horrible war, most 
lost their lives on the ground, in the trenches--literally clawing for 
victory inch by inch. The magnitude of the human price of this effort 
should command our deepest personal respect. We can never adequately 
thank our veterans for their supreme sacrifice.
  Yet, through the images of fire and the remnants of ashes rises the 
hope that never again will we face such darkness. Never again will we 
face the prospect of such global sacrifice. Never again will the forces 
of freedom be asked to lay down their lives en masse in the name of 
peace and order.
  Today marks the seminal moment in the American chapter of the War in 
Europe. It reminds us of our absolute resolve to maintain and preserve 
what is right and just. I join my colleagues in what is perhaps one of 
our most solemn moments in recognition of those who sacrificed so much 
for our freedom.
  Mr. President, in honor of our fallen veterans, I rise in humble 
tribute.


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