[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 137 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 6, 2004

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
veterans of the Battle of the Bulge on the occasion of its 60th 
Anniversary this month. On November 16, 2004, the U.S. House of 
Representatives passed H.J. Res. 110, a resolution recognizing the 60th 
anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, and I was 
proud to vote in favor of H.J. Res. 110.
  Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Bulge was a significant turning point 
of the Allied victory over the Axis powers in Northern Europe. At the 
time of the battle, from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, the 
outcome of World War II was in question. But neither the harsh winter 
nor enemy fire could overcome the Allied determination to win the 
greatest battle of that war.
  Mr. Speaker, out of the 16 million veterans of World War II, roughly 
4 million are with us and about 1,200 die each day. With each death, we 
lose a first hand account of the war and the opportunity to thank them 
for their service. That is why it is so important that the House, on 
this anniversary, acknowledge the sacrifice and service of the men of 
the Battle of the Bulge.
  Mr. Speaker, after 60 years, the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge 
are traveling to Belgium and Luxembourg this month to participate in 
60th Anniversary events. They and their families will join with the 
people of Belgium and Luxembourg in somber remembrance of the battle. 
Both the King of the Belgians, Albert II, and the Grand Duke of 
Luxembourg, Henri, will participate in official events.
  Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts is home to the 
Central Massachusetts Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the 
Bulge. The Worcester chapter has 155 members. Its objective is to honor 
the men who fought at the battle, to preserve historical data and 
sites, to foster international peace and goodwill, and to promote 
friendship and comradeship. The Worcester chapter has honored the 10 
sons of Worcester who died during the battle by placing square markers 
throughout the city. Many members of the chapter are going to Europe 
this month for the remembrance services.
  Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Bulge and World War II tore apart the 
continent of Europe. It pitted great civilizations against each other 
in an epic battle for control of Europe. But the Allied victory and the 
great sacrifice of the men of World War II have contributed to today's 
peace in Europe. Indeed, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, 
Germany and other nations involved in the Battle of the Bulge are 
allies today as members of NATO. Our countries have worked closely on 
solidarity, freedom, security, and the trans-Atlantic alliance. Today's 
European and American cooperation is due in large part to the veterans 
of the Battle of the Bulge.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives, I thank these veterans for their service, their 
courage, their sacrifice and their continuing efforts to foster 
international freedom and democracy.

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