[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H3588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, our Nation remembered and 
commemorated the 68th anniversary of D-day, the World War II allied 
invasion of Normandy, France, and the beginning of the liberation of 
Europe from the forces of tyranny.
  Today, I want to commemorate another historical World War II battle--
70 years ago, the Battle of Midway, when the United States Navy struck 
back at imperial Japan, turning the tide in the Pacific and paving the 
way toward a great American victory at sea.
  Six months earlier, Japanese planes infamously attacked Pearl Harbor, 
drawing the United States into that war. Yet our Navy recovered quickly 
and mobilized under the leadership of Admiral Ernest King, from the 
port city of Lorain, Ohio, on Lake Erie, and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
  With the odds against them, our U.S. Navy boldly struck back at the 
Battle of Midway. Over 4 days, the Japanese lost all four of the large 
carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor, not to mention a heavy 
cruiser, 248 carrier-based aircraft, and more than 3,000 men. The 
United States lost one carrier, the Yorktown, one destroyer, and 340 
men.
  Today, we commemorate this major historic achievement of our Navy. We 
honor the sacrifice of those who fought for us and died for us, and we 
express abiding gratitude for the bravery and dedication of all who 
fought in this battle in service to our Nation and freedom's cause.
  Today, the free world remembers the Battle of Midway.

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