[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H9787-H9792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  0900
 JOINT MEETING OF THE 104TH CONGRESS TO CLOSE THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
                    50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II

  During the recess the following proceedings took place in honor of 
the 50th anniversary of World War II, the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives presiding.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms, Kevin Brennan, announced the 
Vice President of the United States and the Members of the U.S. Senate, 
who entered the Hall of the House of Representatives, taking the seats 
reserved for them.
  The SPEAKER. The joint meeting to close the commemoration of the 50th 
anniversary of World War II will come to order.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Joint Armed 
Forces Color Guard.
  The historical colors were carried into the Chamber; the flag was 
carried into the Chamber by the color bearer and a guard from each of 
the branches of the Armed Forces.
  The national anthem was presented by the U.S. Army Chorus.
  The color guard saluted the Speaker, faced about, and saluted the 
House.
  The flag was posted, and the Members and guests were seated.
  The Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rev. James David 
Ford, D.D., delivered the following invocation:
  Let us pray. As we gather for this special occasion, O gracious God, 
we offer our thanksgivings as we recall the valiant deeds and historic 
acts of another day, a time which lives in our hearts with gratitude 
and praise.
  O loving God, whose will it is that all people live in harmony and 
peace, we ask Your blessing on all those who answered the Nation's call 
to service so the forces of evil would be put down and that 
opportunities for freedom and liberty would abound.
  We especially lift up the names of those who gave their lives for 
others, often in places so far from home. We hold these names in high 
honor and reverence, for their sacrifice is etched forever in the 
history of our Nation. We recognize them at this time, and we join with 
our families in this holy memory.
  We pray, O God, that as we contemplate the devotion and consecration 
of those who have served we will be worthy of their commitment in our 
stewardship of the blessings of this land. We pray, Almighty God, that 
the duty and honor of serving You and our country may ever enable us to 
take pride in our responsibilities and be faithful in all our tasks now 
and ever more. Amen.
  The SPEAKER. It is most appropriate we hold this joint meeting of 
Congress to thank and honor the World War II generation who 50 years 
ago fought the most destructive war in history and saved the world for 
freedom. This morning we remember all who served our Nation, but our 
focus is on the World War II veteran, their families and those who 
served on the home front.
  Many of those who served in World War II, family members of those who 
served as well as those who served in the home front, are our special 
guests this morning and at this time I think it is entirely appropriate 
to recognize and thank them.
  First, I would like all those who have received our Nation's highest 
military award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, to please 
stand and remain standing or raise your hand. [Applause.]

  Next, would all World War II veterans, including our colleagues in 
the House and Senate who served, please stand and remain standing or 
raise your hand. [Applause.]

[[Page H 9788]]

  At this time, I would also like to extend the House's welcome and 
recognize the efforts of General Kicklighter, executive director of the 
50th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Committee. We are 
grateful for all you and your staff have done over the past 5 years to 
thank and honor the World War II generation.
  I wonder if General Kicklighter, his staff, and the committee might 
rise for just a moment because they spent a number of years. 
[Applause.]
  And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank two Members of 
Congress for their efforts in making this historic joint meeting a 
reality: Congressman Floyd Spence and Senator Strom Thurmond. We thank 
you for your leadership and all the work you have done to make this 
occasion possible.
  Let me just say that, on my part, I welcome all of you back, all of 
you who served your country. I think it is important for us to remember 
how real the dangers of evil are, how close we came to losing freedom, 
how difficult the fight was, and the great capacity of a free society 
to call on its young men and women to do remarkable things, if that is 
what it takes. And I hope that today will drive home for another 
generation the fact that the price of liberty is the willingness to 
sacrifice and the willingness to be committed and that you, for a very 
crucial time in the history of the human race, did all that you could 
to make sure that the cause of freedom would prevail.
  Mr. Vice President.
  Vice President GORE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Leader, Members of Congress, 
members of the President's Cabinet, General Shalikashvili and members 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and all members of the Armed Services who 
are gathered here and, most of all, to our World War II veterans and to 
their families, on behalf of the U.S. Senate, I, too, welcome you.
  We are gathered this morning as a grateful people and as a grateful 
Nation for the culmination of our country's half century commemorations 
for those who served in World War II. From the still cemeteries, along 
the hedgerows and beaches of Normandy to the streets of a new and 
united Berlin, to the now calm and peaceful waters of Pearl Harbor, we 
have honored America's heroes throughout this past year, whether it was 
our soldiers who were sent to faraway lands, our Americans who did 
their part on the home front.
  Commemorations are tinged by both glory and by sadness, by memories 
of great feats of the human spirit and memories of painful loss.
  I have had the privilege to take part in the World War II ceremonies 
this year, first at Arlington National Cemetery for D-day, then at the 
American cemetery at Mattingly, England, in Paris, and at Berlin for VE 
day and finally at Fort Myer for VJ day. And along with all those 
gathered at these commemorations I felt the mix of conflicting 
emotions.
  On the one hand, occasions such as these are opportunities to 
remember the tremendous sacrifice, the lost lives of young men and 
women, many whose names we will never know and who we can never 
adequately thank, those who are remembered by simple white stones on 
quiet slopes across Europe and in the Pacific. We also mourn the loss 
of those we did know and love, friends and family. These are scars that 
time simply cannot heal.

  But even though we grieve our loss, we also celebrate a great 
victory, indeed a triumph of good over evil. While we mourn those who 
gave their lives, we celebrate the gifts that their enormous sacrifices 
bequeathed to all of us: freedom, democracy, a world safe for 
humankind.
  There is, however, another quiet truth that is woven into the fabric 
of our commemorations and into our experiences as a nation at war, and 
that truth is simple if powerful: There is nothing America cannot 
accomplish when we work together. When confronted with a challenge at 
home or on distant shores, we are at our very best when we stand as one 
as Americans; and that is true whether we pursue legislation in this 
hallowed Chamber, rebuild after a hurricane or earthquake or join hands 
to defeat tyranny and oppression in places like South Africa, Haiti, 
Bosnia, Iraq or wherever evil shows its ugly face.
  What better example of America working together than the veterans and 
their families who sit here today, heroes like Ruth Staples and her 
sister, Ina. Their entire family was involved in the war effort.
  Ina's husband was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, flying over 
Europe. Their brothers, James and Owen Kline, enlisted. James was in 
the Navy fighting in the Pacific; and Owen, deceased just a few years 
ago, was a paratrooper in the 82d Airborne. And Ruth, along with her 
sister Edna, now deceased, did her part going to work in the rail yard 
in Brunswick, MD, right after graduating from high school.
  Also here today are two Gold Star children, Prof. Ann Jennalie Cook 
and her sister Margaret Sue Cook. They were in grade school living in 
Oklahoma with their mother and younger brother, David, when they 
received a note from their father. Right before he took part in the 
Normandy invasion, he wrote, I am so proud of both my daughters and 
think you are the finest girls in the world.
  Sergeant Cook would not see his daughters again. He died 6 days after 
D-day on June 12, 1944. But I know if he could be here today he would 
be just as proud to see his children and grandchildren growing strong 
in a world that is safe and free.
  And I also know that Sergeant Cook's daughters, along with all of us, 
are just as proud of him, of his service and his sacrifice to keep 
America strong and out of harm's way; and we are no less grateful 
today, 50 years later, than we were on the day when victory was won.
  And there is one final group that deserves special recognition today, 
those who served America during war and then came back home, rolled up 
their sleeves and served America during peace in this great building, 
in this wonderful Capital City, as Members of the U.S. Congress, 
redeeming the promise of self-governing--patriots like Representative 
Henry Hyde and Senators Daniel Inouye, Strom Thurmond, and Bob Dole. 
They answer the call to duty every day and every hour by serving the 
American people, reaching across party lines to work together, united 
as Americans, assuring our land and our citizens will be secure in a 
world that is free, building opportunity for all.
  So, today, let all of these examples, whether sisters in Maryland, 
children in a family in Oklahoma, or Members of Congress from all 
across this great land, that the examples of these brave men and women 
be an inspiration to all of us. Let us remember the noble purpose which 
animated their efforts a half century ago and in that spirit let us 
continue to work together to create a world where peace, prosperity, 
and happiness for all are not goals for tomorrow but the realities we 
enjoy today.

  The SPEAKER. Representative Henry J. Hyde enlisted in the U.S. Navy 
on Veterans Day, November 11, 1942, and was commissioned an ensign in 
the U.S. Navy Reserve in October 1944. He served in the South Pacific, 
New Guinea, and the Philippines. He continued his military career in 
the Naval Reserves until 1968, retiring with the rank of commander.
  The Chair recognizes the Honorable Henry J. Hyde, Representative from 
the State of Illinois and chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, we are met today to pay tribute 
to the millions of Americans who, in the face of tyranny and 
aggression, answered ``yes'' when their country called.
  To serve one's nation is always an ennobling experience. That is 
especially true when that service and the sacrifice it entails is 
performed in the context of a great struggle for freedom. And that, my 
friends, is precisely what World War II was: A great struggle for 
freedom, on whose outcome hung the fate of liberty and justice and 
decency in the world.
  The years, now over 50, have had their way with us. We are fewer and 
grayer and slower, but the words of Lord Tennyson were never more 
appropriate:

     Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
     We are not now of that strength which in old days
     Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
     One equal temper of heroic hearts,
     Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
     To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

 
[[Page H 9789]]

  When you visit the Vietnam Memorial, those 58,196 names overwhelming; 
but a World War II memorial would contain 291,557 names of U.S. 
military killed in action. And add to that our war dead in Korea and 
the First World War and this century, mercifully coming to a close 
becomes, the bloodiest century in all history.
  We own an unpayable debt to those heroes of freedom whose gift of 
self, embodied in the performance of their duty, now rest in cemeteries 
in Normandy and throughout the islands of the Pacific. We commend their 
eternal souls to the mercy of God, in whose kingdom every tear will be 
wiped away.
  But if we cannot repay the debt we owe our beloved dead, we may at 
least discharge some portion of it by being better citizens and 
neighbors ourselves. We may honor their sacrifice by building the kind 
of America they fought and died for, a land of liberty and justice for 
all, a decent and tolerant society, a community of civic friendship, a 
leader in freedom's cause in the world.
  Every war produces its heroes, not all of them acknowledged. One of 
my heroes is Congressman Bob Stump of Arizona who, at barely 16 years 
of age, exaggerated his age so he could enlist in the Navy. We both 
participated in the invasion of Luzan in the Philippines, January 9, 
1945; but we never knew each other back then.
  Another hero of mine lies buried in a cemetery at Normandy. In June 
1994, as a Scottish bagpipe band played the piercing mournful strains 
of ``Amazing Grace,'' I walked up to a white cross to read his name, 
but there was no name, just the words: ``Here lies, in honored glory, a 
comrade in arms--known but to God.''
  Sacred scripture tells us there is a time for weeping. Pope John Paul 
II told us last week that:

       We shall see that the tears of this century have prepared 
     the ground for a new springtime of the human spirit.

  And so today, 50 years later, rather than mourn our Nation's war 
dead, let us thank God that such men lived.
  Vice President GORE. Senator Daniel K. Inouye entered the U.S. Army 1 
year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, joining the legendary 442d 
Regimental Combat Team, a unit comprised solely of Japanese-Americans. 
He fought in Italy and France, gaining a battlefield commission to 
second lieutenant. He was gravely injured on April 21, 1945, when he 
lost his right arm to a rifle grenade. He won numerous awards for his 
service, rising to the rank of captain before being discharged in 1947.
  It is an honor to recognize for remarks the Honorable Daniel K. 
Inouye, Senator from the State of Hawaii and ranking minority member of 
the Committee on Indian Affairs. Senator Inouye.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President and my fellow Americans, 
during the past 4 years, Americans have gathered in cities and towns 
and villages throughout this land and in strange places with strange 
names like Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Anzio, Normandy, Guam, and in many 
other places to honor the 299,131 American men and women who stood in 
harm's way and gave their lives on our behalf. Thousands upon thousands 
of our fellow citizens participated in parades and festivities, and 
many inspiring speeches were heard.
  As a veteran of that war, I am grateful to America for the many 
honors bestowed upon our fallen comrades; but, most respectfully, I 
feel that these glorious parades and inspiring speeches may have missed 
the real essence of why we were victorious, what made us win.
  I remember the thousands upon thousands of schoolchildren scouring 
the countryside looking for scrap metal, tons of scrap metal that found 
its way to the front lines as bullets and bombs.
  I remember the many thousands of victory gardens in every village, 
hamlet and town, gardens that produced over one-third of all the 
vegetables that we Americans consumed during that war.
  I remember the long lines of citizens to give blood and to buy war 
bonds.
  I remember the 866 American ships, merchant ships, that were sunk by 
submarines, carrying our cargo and the nearly 7,000 American seamen who 
rest at the bottom of the sea.
  I remember those gallant ladies, wives and sweethearts who rolled up 
their sleeves and took over the places of their loved ones at the 
assembly lines and took over the tractors and the farms until the men 
returned. And I recall that, at that moment, the productivity of our 
Nation rose by over 25 percent in less than a month. The record shows 
that these sweethearts of America helped to build over 60,000 tanks, 
over 120,000 ships and over 300,000 aircraft.
  And I recall that in the early days of this war, when the days were 
the darkest, more than 6 million men and women, our fellow citizens, 
volunteered. High among this list of volunteers were Native Americans, 
our first citizens, the Indians, who volunteered in larger numbers per 
capita than any other group.
  Something happened to America at that time. I am not wise enough to 
know what it was, but it was the strange, strange power that our 
Founding Fathers experienced in those early uncertain days. Let's call 
it the spirit of America, a spirit that united and galvanized our 
people. We were ready for any challenge, any obstacle.
  My fellow Americans, today the obstacles and challenges are many, but 
I ask where is that spirit? Eight days ago, a verdict was announced in 
a Los Angeles courtroom, and experts throughout this land sadly 
suggested that our land was divided. All of us know that, or at least 
we should know that, that our land is dangerously divided and 
dangerously polarized.
  What are we, the elected voices of America, doing? Sadly, what most 
Americans hear are the sounds of dissension, discord and division on 
Capitol Hill. Instead of the great and grand voice of reason, they hear 
angry shouts. They see party leaders congratulating themselves on party 
line votes in the Congress. Americans need not go to Los Angeles to see 
division. They can just watch the Congress.
  If we are to appropriately remember and honor those 299,131 men and 
women who gave their lives in the defense of freedom and in that great 
war, let us begin by discarding those sounds of division. Let us begin 
by demonstrating that we are capable of calm and resolute leadership. 
Let us begin the process of restoring that spirit of America that 
blessed us at the time of our Revolution and the Great War. We can do 
no less.
  The SPEAKER. The U.S. Army Chorus and the U.S. Coast Guard Band will 
now present ``Songs of the GI.''
  The U.S. Army Chorus and the U.S. Coast Guard Band presented ``Songs 
of the GI.'' [Applause.]
  The SPEAKER. Representative G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery is one of the 
veterans' best friends. He entered World War II as an enlisted person, 
was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, earned three Battle Stars and 
attained the rank of captain by the end of the war. He was recently 
awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public 
Service by Secretary Perry because of the success of the Montgomery GI 
bill in recruiting, retention and readjustment to civilian life.
  The Chair recognizes and wishes also to take a moment to express his 
personal feelings that we will all miss you upon your retirement next 
year and hopes that all will recognize the Honorable Sonny Montgomery, 
representative from the state of Mississippi and ranking minority 
member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Thank you very much. Maybe, Mr. Speaker, I should 
reconsider.
  Mr. Speaker and Mr. Vice President, my appreciation to the minority 
leader for giving me this opportunity to honor World War II veterans, 
their families and those who paid the supreme sacrifice.
  When we think of World War II, we also must think of those who were 
on the home front. They gave us the planes, the guns, the ships and the 
tanks to win the war. As mentioned, I was a combat veteran of World War 
II, and I saw the guns and tanks improve as new equipment came to our 
armored division, and we finally got tank guns better than the Germans.
  There are 24 World War II veterans in the House today and 20 in the 
Senate. Our numbers have dropped off over the years. Thirty years ago, 
55 percent of the Members were World War II veterans.
  As bad as World War II was, some good things came out of it. The GI 
bill is an example. It was sponsored by the 

[[Page H 9790]]
American Legion and passed by this Congress in 1944. This bill gave 
returning veterans educational benefits, homes to live in, priority on 
Federal jobs and good medical care.
  After the war, we realized the United States had been an isolated 
nation. Most Americans did not even have a high school education. The 
GI bill helped changed all of that, and some historians say this bill 
might be the most important legislation passed in this century.
  The key point I want to make this morning is aimed at our young 
people: Freedom and democracy don't come without a price. More than 
half of the people living in America today were born after World War 
II. They need to know the great sacrifices that were made to preserve 
the freedom we all enjoy.
  In 1994 and 1995, Congressman Bob Stump and I led House delegations 
to Europe and then to the Pacific to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 
the war's end. In visiting the American cemeteries in Europe and the 
Punch bowl in Honolulu--Henry Hyde touched on this--I was greatly moved 
as I walked among the crosses and Stars of David of young Americans who 
had lost their life. Most were only 18, 19 years old. Some of the 
markers read, ``This man is known only to God.''
  These 18- and 19-year-olds answered the call of their country and 
should never be forgotten.
  In Washington, thanks to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and others, a 
World War II memorial will be built on The Mall near the Vietnam and 
Korean memorials. The site has been approved and design and fund-
raising are in progress. It will take at least 5 to 7 years to complete 
the project. This memorial is important, but it does not discharge the 
debt we owe to those who served.
  Many veterans across the country were in Honolulu in August 
celebrating VJ day. A Honolulu newspaper headline read:

       The old World War II boys and girls are in town for their 
     last hurrah, so let's let them have a good time.

  Maybe this is our last hoorah, but the newspaper should have also 
have said, these citizen-soldiers from small towns and big cities were 
with us when we needed a win.
  I close with a comment that former President George Bush made on 
Pearl Harbor Day in 1991. He said:

       The lessons of World War II will live on and well they 
     should: preparedness, strength, decency and honor, courage, 
     sacrifice, the willingness to fight and even die for one's 
     country.

  The commitment to duty, honor and country was strong among those who 
served in World War II. Today, we might be a little bent over, slightly 
overweight and we walk with a limp, but our heads are high with the 
pride of serving this great country.
  God bless these wonderful veterans, wherever they are. Thank you.
  Vice President GORE. Senator Strom Thurmond began his military career 
on January 9, 1924, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 
U.S. Army Reserves. He entered active service in 1942 and was assigned 
to the 82d Airborne Division, parachuting into Normandy, France, on 
June 5, 1994. He was awarded five Battle Stars, 18 decorations and 
numerous medals and awards. He continued his military service in the 
Army Reserves rising to the rank of major general.
  The Chair recognizes the Honorable Strom Thurmond, Senator from the 
State of South Carolina, President pro tempore of the Senate and 
chairman of the Committee on Armed Services. Senator Thurmond. 
[Applause].
  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, it is an honor for me to 
address this joint meeting of Congress to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the end of the second World War; and it is my privilege 
to cochair this event with my able and distinguished colleague from 
South Carolina, Congressman Floyd Spence.
  It is appropriate that we commemorate the end of the war, for it is 
truly a defining moment in our history. It is also fitting that we 
honor the memory of those who supported the war effort, those who 
served and particularly those who fell.
  Many individuals worked unselfishly and to the limit of their ability 
to achieve the victory. Many contributed their best efforts to provide 
our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, Coast Guardsmen and merchant 
mariners with the means they needed to prevail. Many served in uniform 
and placed their lives at risk and many paid the ultimate price.
  We pause today to remember these sacrifices because each one was an 
essential component of our overall success and, without them, our world 
today would be a very different place. We pause to express our formal 
appreciation of those who placed the value of liberty and the future of 
our civilization above their own personal safety and comfort. Our 
hearts go out once again to the parents and loved ones whose loss has 
been so great.

  This is also a day to recall the bravery of individuals who were 
decorated and particularly those who were awarded the Medal of Honor. 
In the Chamber today are three veterans who were awarded the Nation's 
highest honor whom I would like to recognize:
  Col. Charles Murray, who personally attacked an enemy position of 
more than 200 soldiers, then led the platoon to capture their objective 
and despite serious wounds refused medical attention until his men were 
deployed for a counterattack.
  Capt. Maurice Britt, who endured multiple grenade and bullet wounds 
in an intense firefight but refused medical attention and led a small 
group of his men in repelling a very strong enemy attack.
  And Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey, who entered a harbor containing more 
than 30 enemy ships while commanding the submarine U.S.S. Barb. He 
destroyed six of the enemy ships, escaped the harbor with his boat and 
crew, and sank another ship 4 days later.
  I am proud to recognize these fine Americans who are with us today.
  The event we commemorate today is in sympathy of the military victory 
of the allies over the Axis powers. The end of the Second World War 
means much more than that. It signifies the end of a period of tyranny 
of a magnitude and scale previously unknown in the world. The images of 
combat in this war are horrible, as are those of the concentration 
camps, the senseless murders of civilians and the mistreatment of 
prisoners of war.
  Today, we commemorate the end of an event that continues to serve as 
a warning to aspiring dictators that men will bear any hardship to 
secure their ultimate freedom. This event is also a powerful symbol and 
indicator of what good people working together in a just and righteous 
cause are capable of achieving. It also serves to remind free men that 
freedom is not free and that freedom is always worth the price.
  There is a panel inside the rotunda of our U.S. Capitol depicting 
freedom in the form of a woman with her soul upraised chasing away a 
figure depicting tyranny. That sentiment, expressed by the artist 
Bernini 150 years ago, is the same heartfelt sentiment of our Founding 
Fathers, of those who sacrificed in the Second World War and of those 
of us here today.
  Let us dedicate ourselves to a future anchored on that sentiment and 
worthy of these sacrifices.
  Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, I thank you for this opportunity to 
honor our veterans, their families and also those who served on the 
home front. God bless our veterans and God bless this great country for 
which they fought.
  The SPEAKER. It is an honor for me to introduce our next speaker. He 
is a distinguished World War II veteran who was awarded the Medal of 
Honor for his uncommon valor, leadership and inspiration during the 
bloody battle of Guam in July 1944.
  During that battle, Marine Capt. Louis H. Wilson commanded his 
company through some of the Pacific war's most vicious combat. During 
several continuous days of battle, he led his men, spearheading attacks 
and repelling enemy counterattacks.
  He was wounded three times, yet denied first aid for himself until he 
saw to the needs of his men. For his heroic actions on Guam, he was 
awarded the Medal of Honor. He went on to become the 26th Commandant of 
the U.S. Marine Corps.
  The Chair recognizes Gen. Louis H. Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps retired, 
an esteemed World War II veteran Medal of Honor recipient and former 
Commandant of the Marine Corps.
  General WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Vice President, ladies and 

[[Page H 9791]]
  gentlemen of the Senate and the House of Representatives and 
distinguished guests.
  Today, I stand before you representing over 17 million American men 
and women who served our Nation in the Army, the Navy, the Marine 
Corps, the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines during World War II. 
The war engulfed the world and shook our country. Americans from all 
walks of life and from every State and territory in our Union joined in 
the struggle that ultimately saved the very concept of freedom and 
democracy.
  Today, we begin to close the commemoration of a victory 50 years ago. 
That victory is not without an incredible toll in lives and effort by 
those individuals in the Armed Forces that won that war and the 
families who sacrificed so much.
  These young Americans of five decades ago were plunged into a war 
which had a scope and intensity hardly conceivable today. They did not 
seek or expect the war which descended upon them, yet these ordinary 
citizens rose brilliantly and selflessly, leaving homes and families in 
answer to their country's cause. They joined in a united effort and 
relentless struggle to defend liberty and did so on land, in the air, 
on and under the sea, in tropic heat and arctic cold, in rain forests, 
mountains, deserts around the globe.
  During the 4 years of this war, they suffered torment, disease, and 
near starvation. They lost their youth, their health, and, far too 
many, their lives. More than 290,000 Americans gave their lives, over 
670,000 were wounded and more than 105,000 suffered as prisoners of 
war.
  Our victory changed this Nation forever. It transformed the 
generation which had grown up in despair of economic depression. It 
accelerated the movement toward true equality for all, which continues 
to this day. Most important of all, it brought hope and belief in the 
future, opening the way for the most prosperous economy in the history 
of mankind and powering an unprecedented advance of science and 
technology. None of this could have occurred without the men and women 
of a half century ago who fought for our country's freedom, and, as you 
have heard, some of whom are in this very room today.
  The marvelous world which we have today and the wonders of the age 
which we now enjoy were made possible by the noble sacrifices of each 
of those who fought against tyranny and oppression. As the half century 
anniversary of the end of World War II draws to a close, we mark a 
significant milestone in our Nation's history and in our goal for a 
better life, a better life not just for Americans but for all peoples 
of the world.
  The end of the World War II was the beginning of a new era. It 
brought the light of freedom to millions who had known only the bonds 
of colonial servitude. It brought a belief in the common interest of 
all nations in the preservation of peace and prosperity. In the 
intervening 50 years, the lives of almost everyone here and in the 
world has been enhanced beyond comparison.
  And as we pass the torch to future generations we are confident that 
America remains ready for the challenges to come. I am certain that our 
Nation today has the same caliber of patriots as those who brought us 
victory in World War II. And when our country is called upon to rise 
again to an equally difficult task, let us pray that it is served by 
men and women such as those who served 50 years ago. If so, our Nation 
will be well served indeed. [Applause.]
  The SPEAKER. The Honorable Robert H. Michel, former Republican leader 
of the House of Representatives, was elected to the 85th Congress and 
for 36 years served the constituents of Peoria, IL, with great 
distinction until his retirement at the end of the 103d Congress.
  During World War II, he also served with great distinction. He was a 
combat infantryman in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. Having 
been wounded by machinegun fire, he was discharged as a disabled 
veteran after being awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and four 
battle stars.
  At this time, the Honorable Robert H. Michel will lead the U.S. Army 
Chorus in singing ``God Bless America.''
  Mr. MICHEL. Mr. Speaker, and Mr. President, distinguished members of 
the military, my colleagues, and ladies and gentleman, I am deeply 
honored that you should call me out of retirement to lead the singing 
of ``God Bless America.'' But before doing so, let me take just a 
moment.
  I have always been very proud of the fact that I was privileged to 
serve my country for better than 40 years, both in the military and in 
this Congress. And it seems to me that those of us outside of 
Government, outside of the military, owe the utmost of respect to both 
the military and to our three coordinate branches of Government that 
represent civil authority.
  And, you know, we really ought to be proud of our country, if for no 
other reason than in the last few years the majority of emerging 
democracies are opting for our system of government. That ought to make 
us all mighty proud, whether we are in the military, whether we are in 
the civilian authority.
  So, for me, I thought what a privilege and a pleasure to be asked 
back to lead you all with our good friends from the Army Chorus, the 
U.S. Coast Guard Band and join this old soldier in singing ``Gold Bless 
America.''
  The United States Army Chorus rendered ``Gold Bless America.'' 
[Applause.]
  Vice President GORE. Senator Robert Dole enlisted in the United 
States Army in 1943 and served as a first lieutenant with the Tenth 
Mountain Division in Italy. He was gravely wounded during the battle of 
Mount Belvedere, north of Florence, and was twice decorated for valor. 
His decorations include two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with 
oakleaf cluster. He was discharged with the rank of captain.
  After helping the veterans gathered here and others to win World War 
II, he continued a personal battle against the injuries sustained in 
service to this country. Anyone who knows the story of Bob Dole's 
victory and that personal battle knows something about true courage.
  The Chair recognizes the Honorable Robert Dole, the majority leader 
of the Senate and Senator from the State of Kansas.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, my House and Senate colleagues 
and fellow veterans, and I know there are many here today and many in 
the gallery, men and women:
  I might add, as I have been sitting there listening to other 
speakers, you think about a lot of things. I thought about Percy Jones 
General Hospital, where Dan Inouye was the best bridge player in the 
hospital. He played all night long and all day.
  I remember Col. Philip Hart. The Hart Building is named after Colonel 
Hart. We were on the same ward together. I was a second lieutenant; he 
was a colonel. He was out running errands for me. I couldn't believe 
it, but it happened.
  You think about your best friends who didn't come back. You think 
about a lot of things. And then you think about what Oliver Wendell 
Holmes said. He said, ``In our youth, our hearts were touched by 
fire.''
  I think the same is true for my generation. Our hearts were also 
touched by fire as we united from the front line to the factory line to 
save the world for democracy.
  And I know I speak again for all veterans here today, men and women, 
in saying that we consider ourselves fortunate that we returned home 
after the war and today, like every day, we should remember those 
courageous Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
  Americans like 23-year-old Lt. William Ford, Jr., who lost his life 
in an Air Force training mission on October 1, 1943; and Americans like 
his 21-year-old brother, Sgt. John Ford, who was killed less than 2 
weeks after William when his aircraft was shot down over New Guinea 52 
years ago tomorrow.
  And with us on the House floor this morning is William and John 
Ford's mother, Mrs. Anastasia Ford. Mrs. Ford, would you please stand?
  To you, Mrs. Ford, and to all those loved ones who gave their life 
for their country, America offers our respect and our appreciation and 
our enduring prayers. And you also have our promise that the best way, 
indeed the only way, to honor the memory of David and John Ford is to 
ensure the survival of the ideals for which they fought and died.

[[Page H 9792]]

  That was the message delivered from this podium just over 50 years 
ago when my hero, Dwight Eisenhower, addressed the House of 
Representatives. We are honored that his son, John, is here today.
  John, we are honored to have you here. Please stand, John.
  And General Eisenhower came that day to thank the 3 million American 
soldiers who had served under his command and to express our thanks for 
the support we had received from the home front. And he spoke for the 
ages when he said that, and I quote, ``There is no doubt that our 
people's spirit of determination will continue to fire this nation 
through ordeals yet to come.''.
  And one of the great lessons of this century and the legacy of an 
entire generation is that Ike was right. America has faced many ordeals 
in the past half century, and the spirit of determination of the 
American people fired our country through all of them.
  So as we remember and pay tribute to the last 50 years, we must look 
ahead to the next 50 years, particularly Senator Thurmond, to the 
ordeals we face now and those yet to come: Ordeals like the budget 
deficit that threatens our children's tomorrow and the scourge of drugs 
that threaten their today.
  In looking forward, it should become clear to my generation and to 
all generations that our work is not yet finished and our mission is 
not yet complete.
  So as we leave this Chamber today let this Congress and the American 
people resolve to face our ordeals and tackle our problems with the 
same spirit of determination, the same courage and the same unwavering 
belief in the rightness of our mission that we displayed 50 years ago 
when our hearts were touched by fire and when America saved the world.
  The SPEAKER. The benediction will be given by the Reverend Lloyd John 
Ogilvie, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.
  The Chaplain of the Senate, the Reverend Lloyd John Ogilvie, offered 
the following benediction:
  Verses from the 46th Psalm provide an appropriate conclusion to this 
ceremony.

       The Lord of Hosts is with us. Come behold the works of the 
     Lord for He makes wars to cease. Be still and know that I am 
     God. I will be exalted in the Earth. I will be exalted among 
     the Nations.

  Let us pray. O Lord God of hosts, be with us yet lest we forget, lest 
we forget. As we conclude this period of national celebration of the 
end of World War II, keep us mindful that it was because of Your 
intervention that we were able to break the back of tyranny. May we 
never forget the supreme sacrifice of so many to accomplish so much to 
liberate humankind from the evil grip of a brutal enemy.
  And, Lord, sharpen our memories of what can be done when we trust You 
completely and work together in unity in a cause of patriotism that 
demands our utmost for Your ultimate purpose for our Nation. May our 
greater loyalty to You and what is best for our Nation overcome our 
secondary party spirit that often divides us.
  Lord, bring us together as we claim Your supernatural wisdom in 
solving the problems that confront us and Your strength and courage for 
grasping the full potential of Your destiny for our great Nation. In 
Your victorious name, O Jehovah shalom, the only source of lasting 
peace, who calls us to be peacemakers together. Amen.
  The SPEAKER. Members and guests will stand for the retirement of the 
colors.
  The colors were retired from the Chamber.
  The SPEAKER. At this time, the Members of the Senate will retire.
  The Members of the Senate retired from the Chamber.
  The SPEAKER. The purpose for the joint meeting having been fulfilled, 
the joint meeting is concluded. The House will continue in recess until 
approximately 11 a.m.
  The honored guests retired from the Chamber, at 10 o'clock and 16 
minutes a.m. The proceedings to close the Commemoration of the 50th 
Anniversary of World War II were concluded.

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