[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 11, 1995

  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues, our Nation's military 
leaders, distinguished veterans, and the host of family and friends who 
have assembled with us in the House Chamber this morning. I want to pay 
special tribute to those veterans who have journeyed from across the 
country to join us for this special joint meeting of Congress. Joint 
meetings are special events to mark historic moments in our Nation's 
history. Today's ceremony marks the closing activities of the 
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of World War II. It is, indeed, 
proper and fitting that we gather for acknowledgement of this 
significant period in our Nation's history.
  History reveals that World War II was the greatest and most 
destructive war in history. The war killed more people, destroyed more 
property, and probably had more far-reaching consequences than any 
other war in history. The war began on September 1, 1939, with the 
invasion of Poland by Germany. The United States entered the war in 
December of 1941, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
  Mr. Speaker, as we gather today to commemorate the 50th anniversary 
of World War II, we pause to honor the brave Americans who answered the 
Nation's call to service. We also honor those who lost their lives in 
the conflict. We know that families lost fathers, sons, daughters, and 
friends. We gather today to remind these families that their losses 
were not in vain. The war forever changed our Nation, signaling a 
renewed commitment to freedom and democracy. It is with the somber 
reminder of the valor and determination of our fallen comrades who 
fought for democracy that we gather today.
  I want to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to my 
colleagues in Congress who are veterans of World War II, including 
those who are highlighted on today's program--Representatives, Henry 
Hyde and ``Sonny'' Montgomery, and Senators Daniel Inouye, Strom 
Thurmond, and Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole. As a veteran of World 
War II, I take pride in being included in the ranks of these brave 
patriots who united in service to this country a half-century ago.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have some of the members of my family join 
me for today's commemoration ceremony, including my wife, Jay, my 
daughter, Lori, and my granddaughter, Nicolette. My young grandson, 
Brett Hammond, is also here with me. As I look at Brett and Nicolette, 
it is my feeling that we fought a war many years ago, so that perhaps 
members of their generation will be able to enjoy peace. As we move 
forward, let us do so with the strong hope that World War II will, 
indeed, become known as the last world war. Let this be our commitment 
to our children, our grandchildren, and our brave comrades who have 
passed on.

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