[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 95 (Thursday, July 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONCLUSION OF WAR IN THE PACIFIC AND 
HONORING VETERANS OF BOTH PACIFIC AND ATLANTIC THEATERS OF SECOND WORLD 
                                  WAR

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                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 191, a resolution to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 
conclusion of the war in the Pacific and to honor veterans of both the 
Pacific and Atlantic theaters of the Second World War. It is-profoundly 
important that we remember the sacrifices our troops made in those 
terrible times. But more than remembering, we must convey the gratitude 
due to those soldiers who risked their lives in the defense of the 
innocent, the protection of freedom, and in the name of our great 
country.
  To build a prosperous future, we must work to appreciate our past. It 
has not always been a peaceful one. From our country's founding over 
two centuries ago, American soldiers have engaged in many battles to 
defend our Nation and our way of life. Whether the call has been the 
defense of democracy, the ending of tyranny, or the protection of 
innocent civilians all over the world, American soldiers have answered 
with dignity and honor. This resolution reflects a will to remember the 
countless sacrifices of our soldiers in one of the most terrible wars 
of our history.
  Aristotle wrote, ``We make war that we may live in peace.'' Never was 
the need to engage greater than for President Roosevelt's America some 
65 years ago. The spread of Nazism led our troops over the Atlantic 
into the first of what would soon be two major theaters of war. Our 
Armed Forces crossed the Atlantic to join the allies in an assault of 
Germany. Then, after the atrocious attack on Pearl Harbor in December 
1941, they crossed the Pacific to engage the Japanese. These dark times 
witnessed monumental loss of life and called for the greatest levels of 
sacrifice, both from the troops and the families they left behind. Yet 
our spirit never wavered, and this country survived one of its greatest 
tests.
  Mr. Speaker, we owe so much of this survival to the quality of our 
troops. They protected us then as they always have--with honor, courage 
and resilience. As we enjoy the freedoms afforded to this great Nation, 
we must remember and celebrate the achievements of our veterans. We are 
forever grateful for their gift of peace. This is a gift we will never 
be able to fully repay, but one that continues to engender respect and 
gratitude. It is the spirit of gratitude that gives birth to this 
resolution, and in that spirit I am privileged to offer my full 
support.

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