[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 11, 1995

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, this day, on which we commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the end of World War II, I would like to take the 
opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to the men and women who so 
proudly served their country over the course of those difficult years, 
both on the battlefield and at home. Over a half-century has now passed 
since Japan surrendered aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay; and 
yet, neither the magnitude of the sacrifice that our World War II 
veterans made, nor the significance of their accomplishments in the 
name of freedom and peace, has been diminished in our collective 
consciousness. It is a privilege to salute these courageous Americans 
on this occasion.
  In the 3\1/2\-year history of the Second World War, over 17 million 
Americans served in the Armed Forces, ensuring the survival of 
democracy abroad through their valor and bravery in combat. Millions 
more provided invaluable contributions to the cause on the home front, 
by working in support of the military effort and by preserving the 
morale and integrity of the Nation in a period of such utter turmoil. 
The cost of victory was, indeed, great: over 670,000 soldiers were 
wounded in combat, and more than 290,000 lost their lives in combat. On 
this day, we remember the awesome sacrifice which they made to their 
country, and realize that the legacy of their passing is a world which 
today is more committed to democratic ideals than it has ever been 
before, and a global community which has become more vigilant against 
the evils of totalitarianism and genocide.
  Today I wish to join with all Americans in acknowledging the 50th 
anniversary of World War II, and in thanking those who served their 
country during that conflict, particularly the 40,000 veterans from my 
district. May their sacrifices to our country never be forgotten.

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