[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H5754-H5756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF END OF WORLD WAR II
Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1516) recognizing the 65th anniversary of the
end of World War II, honoring the servicemembers who fought in World
War II and their families, and honoring the servicemembers who are
currently serving in combat operations.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1516
Whereas World War II was the largest and most violent armed
conflict in the history of mankind, with fatality estimates
ranging between 22,000,000 and 70,000,000 military and
civilian deaths;
Whereas America's finest men and women risked life and limb
to protect the American way of life and to halt foreign
tyranny and aggression;
Whereas over 16,000,000 Americans served in uniform and
405,000 members of the United States Armed Forces paid the
ultimate sacrifice for the protection of the American people
and for the formation of a more stable world;
Whereas World War II demonstrated how the American people
unite in times of great peril;
Whereas the united efforts of Americans from all walks of
life made the American homefront the Arsenal of Democracy for
the worldwide triumph of the Allied powers;
Whereas Allied forces faced vicious combat, exhibited
unmatched bravery, and suffered untold tragedy in places like
Southeast Asia, the Philippines, the islands of the Southwest
and Central Pacific, the deserts of North Africa, across
great stretches of the Atlantic Ocean, and from the beaches
of Western Europe to the icy Russian tundra;
Whereas World War II ended 65 years ago with the surrender
of the Japanese upon the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri on
September 2, 1945;
Whereas the trauma and the exultant triumph of the events
of World War II still reside in the collective American
psyche today through contemporary tales in novels, cinema,
and oral telling; and
Whereas approximately 2,000,000 surviving World War II
veterans are still alive today: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) on the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II,
recognizes the service and sacrifices of all of the brave men
and women who fought and contributed to American victory in
that conflagration;
(2) honors the families and decedents of those men and
women, and the men and women themselves, whose lives were
taken in defense of liberty and freedom; and
(3) remembers and honors the service members today who are
actively fighting for freedom and to protect the American way
of life in ongoing combat operations, including Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on this resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. SKELTON. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today, and I request that the House support
House Resolution 1516, which is a resolution recognizing the 65th
anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring the service and
sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who fought.
I am proud to note that I introduced this resolution alongside the
committee's ranking member, the gentleman from California, Buck McKeon.
Madam Speaker, I grew up around veterans of the First World War; and
during World War II, as a young teenager, I looked up to all my friends
and neighbors in uniform as living, breathing American heroes. My
father served in the Navy aboard the USS Missouri during World War I.
It was on the next USS Missouri, the ``Mighty Mo,'' that Japan signed
the official surrender papers to end World War II. It was 65 years ago
this September. So the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II is a
big thing for me. It is a big thing for this great Nation, and it is a
big thing for the free nations of the entire globe.
It is difficult to explain to people who did not grow up during those
tense years how it felt to be a young person in America the day Pearl
Harbor was attacked. America had already participated in efforts to
prevent the tyrannical expansion of Axis powers by providing material
and industrial support to the Allied powers long before we were
attacked; but all of a sudden, the front lines of war were on our
shores. I am no longer that young teenager, but the memories of the
extraordinary valor and selfless sacrifice of the over-16 million
American men and women in uniform are still with me today. Their
efforts echo across these lands in many complex ways, the simplest and
most fundamental of those being the fact that we continue to be free.
Allied forces faced vicious combat, exhibited unmatched bravery, and
suffered untold tragedy in places like southeast Asia, the Philippines,
the islands of the Southwest and Central Pacific, the deserts of North
Africa, across great stretches of the Atlantic Ocean, and from the
beaches of Western Europe to the icy Russian tundra. Not only did
Americans serve in uniform; Americans from all walks of life
contributed to making the American home front the Arsenal of Democracy.
It was the united efforts of everyone, of every last citizen, that
resulted in triumph.
Ultimately, over 405,000 servicemembers lost their lives in World War
II. To them, their spouses, their children, we as American citizens
will be eternally indebted. We say thank you.
Before I reserve the balance of my time, I would also like to take a
moment to acknowledge the service of our brave men and women in uniform
who are serving in our ongoing conflicts today. In some ways, the war
we find ourselves in today is like World War II: our American homeland
was attacked--unprovoked--and our uniformed servicemembers are fighting
to keep us free and safe from a war that has reached our shores.
{time} 1530
This Nation has been blessed with generation after generation of
patriotic Americans who have selflessly served our country. And you
have carried on this tradition, and to them we say thank you.
Madam Speaker, there are only about 2 million World War II veterans
with us today. On the 65th anniversary of the Allied victory and the
end of World War II, I request that the House of Representatives pass
this resolution, House Resolution 1516, to recognize the service and
sacrifices of all of the brave men and women who fought and contributed
to American victory in World War II; honor the families and descendants
of those men and women and the men and women themselves whose lives
were taken in defense of liberty and freedom; and remember and honor
the servicemembers today who are actively fighting for freedom, and to
protect the American way of life in ongoing combat operations today,
including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. McKEON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today, Madam Speaker, in strong support of House Resolution
1516 that recognizes the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second
World War, and that honors our veterans' tradition of service and
sacrifice that continues to this day.
[[Page H5755]]
I want to thank the chairman for making this opportunity possible,
for his love of history, and his understanding of the sacrifices that
our men and women have made since the founding of this great country.
I particularly remember, as a young boy, World War II, my dad served
in the Philippines. And I remember the excitement of when he returned
home after the war. There was a chain link fence that separated us from
the plane. And as my dad got off the plane, he was carrying a little
baby of a lady that was getting off the plane at the same time. And my
mom, a very enthusiastic young lady, started to climb that chain link
fence. She wanted to see her ``Cookie'' as she referred to my dad.
You know, that same scene was happening all across America, and it's
happened many times since, as young men and young women have returned
home.
They have shouldered a burden that subsequent generations have not
been forced to share. Our entire Nation mobilized to fight a war of
national survival. Men and women of all races and creeds put aside
their differences and rallied around our national colors, turning our
Depression woes into industrial and military might.
These were Americans of incredible courage and dedication. Even with
the millions of stories about the heroes of the Second World War, you
don't have to look past our own back yard to find Americans who did
incredible things in the service of our country.
In California's 25th District, men like retired Air Force General
Chuck Yeager, who, as an enlisted airman, was stationed at George Air
Force base in Victorville. After General Yeager earned his commission
and pilot's wings, he deployed to fight the Nazi war machine in Europe,
where he was shot down, evaded capture, returned to friendly lines and
returned to fight, earning the coveted title of ``Ace'' for shooting
down Luftwaffe fighters.
After the war he returned to California and Palmdale, where he became
the first man to break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947. Today,
the rolling desert wind that Chuck Yeager soared over inspires the next
generation of Air Force test pilots at Edwards Air Force Base.
Central California is home to an incredibly diverse environment, from
soaring mountains to barren desert to dense urban sprawl. It was the
open desert that in 1942 became the home of Marine Corps Logistic Base
Barstow. Vital equipment and vehicles for the Marine Corps island
hopping campaign was shipped to Barstow in preparation for deployment
to the Pacific theater. Barstow later became the home to many of these
veterans who made their homes and developed the economy of San
Bernardino County.
Central California is also home to one of the more difficult passages
of the Second World War, the Manzanar Internment Camp, where Japanese
Americans were relocated and held captive. Many of these young
Americans jumped at the chance to prove their devotion to America, and
enlisted from Manzanar, deployed to the European theater, and
distinguished themselves in combat service to their true native
country, the United States of America.
In 1940, an aerial gunnery range was established in the Mojave
Desert, which grew into what is now the National Warfare Training
Center at Fort Irwin. Fort Irwin is the premiere military training
facility in the Western Hemisphere, where servicemen and women from all
our Armed Forces receive the finest training available to prepare them
to face our enemies in combat and build damaged peoples into civil
societies.
Then, as now, what has set our Armed Forces apart is their commitment
to a moral war, a just war, an American way of war.
Today the legacy of these men and women lives on in our
servicemembers who serve around the country, around the world in
defense of freedom, fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.
The soldiers who liberated Dachau are no different from those soldiers
who today ensure that young Afghan girls can go to school without being
murdered by Taliban thugs.
The Marines who held the line on Wake Island today ensure that a
shaky government in Marjah will be given a legitimate chance to
succeed. Our Air Corps that decisively proved itself over the skies of
Europe and the Pacific is now a unique branch of service and a force
with truly global reach. The sacrifices our Navy made in the Second
World War leave behind a tradition of absolute dedication to duty, and
a role of unquestioned dominance on the high seas.
I urge the House to join me and pass this resolution to commemorate
the end of the Second World War, and honor the servicemembers who are
currently serving in combat operations abroad.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1540
Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch).
Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am privileged to represent a district
that's home to a large number of World War II veterans, veterans to
whom I feel a tremendous gratitude for their heroic service, and so
many other veterans of my district who served bravely in Korea,
Vietnam, the gulf war, and the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Our country has a sacred obligation to our troops, the brave
servicemembers who risk their lives in defense of our country from the
time they sign up to serve and well into their retirement.
I would like to thank Chairman Skelton for his work on behalf of our
servicemembers, and in honoring the courage and bravery of our veterans
on the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II with this
resolution.
I would like to particularly mention just a few of the many Americans
who served our country during World War II, veterans in my district
like Will Lapidus, who sacrificed so much of themselves to serve this
country in a time of great need. Josephine Anton was among the first
women to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. She left college in her
last year to serve as a lieutenant in the WAACs. And like so many
veterans, Josephine continues to seek out opportunities to serve her
community.
I would also like to recognize Ed Safarty, who served with my late
father Bernard Deutch. Their 84th Infantry Division fought valiantly at
the Battle of the Bulge. My father volunteered to serve his country as
a teenager, earned a Purple Heart, and like every veteran I know,
shared his passionate patriotism with his children and with his
community for the rest of his life.
The legacy of service and self-sacrifice from this generation of
Americans, exemplified by these veterans and so many others, is
humbling. Our country owes all servicemembers an enormous debt of
gratitude. It's important to recognize the tremendous sacrifices as
well that the families of our servicemembers make, whose invaluable
support and encouragement is a gift to our Nation, and one that is too
often overlooked.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to support House Resolution 1516 here on
the House floor today. And to all the veterans and those servicemembers
presently serving, as well as their families, I offer you my most
profound thanks.
Mr. McKEON. In closing, I would like to just again thank the chairman
for bringing this resolution to the floor. Again, we have personal
remembrances of people that fought in that great war and those of their
families that have continued on and those who continue to serve in the
armed services today.
We just had a memorial service a couple of months ago in my community
where I live, and we had a couple of men there that were still able to
wear their World War II uniforms. It was and continues to be an honor
to see them each Memorial Day. I don't know how many more years we will
have them with us. But they are a great reminder of the wonderful
things that they stood for and continue to stand for, as they have been
called the Greatest Generation.
I encourage all of our Members to support this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. SKELTON. I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, it was 1943. I was a young boy standing across the
street from my home on Franklin Street in Lexington, Missouri. I heard
an airplane overhead, and I looked up, and it
[[Page H5756]]
is what I learned later was a C-47 towing a glider. I also later
learned that this airplane and the glider came from the Sedalia Army
Airfield near Sedalia, Missouri, between Sedalia and Warrensburg, out
of a small community known as Knob Noster.
It was June 6, 1944, when I stayed up late in the evening listening
to the radio with my father. That was of course the occasion on the
Normandy landing. It was the C-47s pulling gliders that were trained at
the Sedalia Army Airfield over Normandy that helped in the landing and
the successful assault there in France.
Today, the Sedalia Army Airfield is not called that anymore. It's
called Whiteman Air Force Base, named after a lieutenant who in his P-
40 at Hickam Field on December 7, 1941, got about 10 feet off the
ground to go after the Japanese attackers and was shot and killed.
These are memories of a young boy. And seeing the soldiers and
sailors and marines come home, they were my heroes. And Madam Speaker,
today they are still my heroes.
Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1516,
which recognizes the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. The
Allies' victory in Europe in 1945 ended an era of unspeakable
atrocities and widespread human suffering.
World War II was the largest war in history as nations around the
globe mobilized 100 million souls to fight in the name of either the
Allied or Axis powers. The battle between the two resulted in the most
deadly war in human history: 60 to 70 million deaths, 45 million of
whom were civilians. The United States lost 345,000 brave soldiers in
both the European and Pacific theaters, which was second only to the
Civil War in the amount of American blood spilled in war.
America rallied over 16 million citizens into uniform and its
factories and farms provided the largest mobilized support network in
the world. The war helped bring the country out of the Great
Depression, and vitalized my own Detroit as the manufacturing industry
expanded greatly during this period.
It is also worth noting that during this time, the United States, in
its fight against racist and genocidal opponents, was forced to
confront its own racism. In one of our most shameful acts, Japanese-
Americans were interned at camps throughout the war while segregation
continued to separate whites and blacks back home. Despite these sad
examples of discrimination, Japanese-American, African-American, and
Hispanic-Americans all proudly took up arms to defend their nation and
demonstrate their loyalty. I have no doubt that their courage laid the
groundwork for the victories for equality and civil rights for all that
would follow decades later.
Madam Speaker, as we honor our World War II veterans, we must also
recognize the incredible sacrifices made by those currently serving
overseas. We must also not forget the values for which World War II was
fought. Our level of international cooperation at the end of that war
was a clear example of our commitment to diplomacy and peaceful
resolutions. We have and always will be a Nation that supports liberty
and justice for all.
Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1516 which
recognizes the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors
the service and sacrifices made by the members of our Armed Forces and
their families, as well as those serving in combat operations today.
Madam Speaker, September 2nd marks the conclusion of one of the most
devastating confrontations in the world's history. On that day, 65
years ago, the Japanese offered their surrender on the deck of the
U.S.S. Missouri; ending World War II and marking the defeat of foreign
tyranny and aggression. It was a momentous day in America's history,
not only were the Allies successful in defeating the Axis powers, but
it defined America in a new light, launching a much larger role for our
nation on the world stage.
Our nation's victory on September 2, 1945 came at a great cost. World
War II was one of the most violent and deadly conflicts in our nation's
history, claiming the lives of 405 thousand American men and women from
all walks of life and every corner of the country. 16 million Americans
came together to serve for a common good, joining our nation's fight to
protect democracy and promote justice, changing the course of history
forever. Their sacrifices for future generations are their everlasting
legacy.
Our men and women in uniform also prevailed because of the valiant
efforts of millions of Americans on the home front who steadfastly
worked in war industries to produce and create the munitions, the
ships, and the aircraft necessary for the war effort. There are few
other times, if any, in our nation's history in which so many Americans
bonded together and worked toward a common purpose with such strength
and resolve.
Madam Speaker, each day over 1,000 veterans from this ``greatest
generation'' pass from our midst and it is indeed appropriate that we
honor their service and sacrifice today. Their labors have led to great
wealth and prosperity for our country and allowed America to continue
to be a beacon of justice and democracy for all people across the
globe.
I thank my colleagues Mr. Skelton and Mr. McKeon for introducing this
resolution, and I urge all my colleagues to support its passage.
Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res.
1516, which recognizes the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II,
honors the service members who fought in the war, and honors the brave
men and women in uniform who are currently serving in combat
operations. This important measure honors a generation of Americans who
united in the fight against tyranny and fascism, sacrificing to protect
America and help achieve a more stable, democratic world.
I thank Chairman Skelton for his leadership in bringing this
resolution to the floor and for his commitment to ensuring that America
never fails to show gratitude for the sacrifices of the Greatest
Generation.
Madam Speaker, World War II was the largest and most violent conflict
in human history, with fatality estimates ranging from 22 million to 70
million military and civilian deaths. Over 16 million Americans served
in the Armed Forces in World War II, 405,000 of them making the
ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country and the cause of
democracy and freedom. I am forever grateful for the men and women who
served, especially those who gave their lives so that we might live in
a better world.
World War II demonstrated how the American people unite in times of
peril. In addition to the bravery of our Armed Forces, Americans from
all walks of life came together to make the American home front the
Arsenal of Democracy. The men and women at home sacrificed, working
long hours in our factories to help power the Allied efforts in Europe
and the Pacific. The Allied Forces' victory over tyranny would not have
been possible without the dedication of the Americans at home.
Sixty-five years ago, the Allied Forces, led by the United States,
defeated a tyrannical force that threatened to eradicate human freedom.
World War II still plays prominently in the American psyche, both as a
trauma and a triumph. Looking back at World War II, we cannot help but
feel an immense gratitude for the Greatest Generation and their
willingness to sacrifice everything for our country. But we also look
back and see the immense cost of war, the human, psychological, and
financial toll that war takes on a nation. Hopefully, World War II will
forever live on as a tribute to American courage and unity, as well as
a reminder that war should always be a last resort.
Madam Speaker, 23,000 veterans live in the 37th district of
California, many of them veterans of World War II. I am deeply grateful
for their service and show my gratitude by working to ensure that they
have the benefits that they need and deserve. Also, Long Beach is home
to the Gold Star Manor, which provides affordable and quality housing
to mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their
country. We must continue supporting the family members of our men and
women in uniform and always express our gratitude for our troops'
willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our nation.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1516.
Mr. SKELTON. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1516.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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