[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 20, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MEMORIAL DAY

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
the Michigan heroes who have given their lives for their country while 
serving in our military. This is an especially fitting time to do so as 
we commemorate the 75th anniversary this year of the end of World War 
II.
  The people of Michigan have always stood up whenever our Nation has 
needed us. That was certainly the case during World War II. Perhaps no 
State was as crucial to our Nation's victory in the fight against 
tyranny as was Michigan.
  More than half a million Michigan men and women proudly served in 
uniform in the Pacific Theater, the Atlantic Theater, and anywhere and 
everywhere we were called. Back home, the people of our State were hard 
at work producing the bombers, tanks, trucks, helmets, and guns needed 
to win the war. We were the Arsenal of Democracy, and both at home and 
abroad, victory depended on us, the people of Michigan.
  We won that fight; yet the costs were staggeringly high. Sadly, more 
than 10,000 Michiganders never made it home. These were our beloved 
children and parents, siblings and cousins, friends and neighbors. We 
were so incredibly proud of their willingness to give everything--even 
their lives--to defend freedom; yet that pride could never fully fill 
the aching loss our families and communities endured. Those losses are 
still felt 75 years later.
  Now, once again, Michigan is mourning. Far too many of our beloved 
children and parents, siblings and cousins, friends and neighbors have 
been lost to an invisible enemy that can't be seen or heard; yet just 
as we did in World War II--just as Michigan has always done--we are 
standing up, and we are fighting back, together.
  Our plants once produced bombers and tanks; today, they are producing 
ventilators and respirators, gowns and testing supplies. People are 
stepping up to serve across our State: tending the sick in our 
hospitals and clinics, delivering food to neighbors in need, even 
sewing masks to keep one another safe.
  Seventy-five years after World War II, a lot of things have changed, 
but one thing hasn't: The people of Michigan are still willing to step 
up and serve whenever and wherever we are needed, and we are needed 
today.
  On Memorial Day and every day, let us remember all servicemembers we 
have lost, thank those who are still with us, and surround our military 
families with love and support. Our military members and veterans have 
provided us the very best examples to follow. Let's honor their service 
and sacrifice with our actions.

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