[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 13417-13420]
[From the U.S. 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

[[Page 13418]]

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.
  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.

[[Page 13419]]

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 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

[[Page 13420]]

troops' willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our nation.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1516.
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
  Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, thousands of young 
Americans flooded their local recruiting offices to enlist in the Armed 
Services. In total, over 16 million served in uniform to defend their 
families, their homes, and our freedoms.
  Those serving on the front lines were not the only Americans making 
sacrifices during America's 4 years in World War II. From Victory 
Gardens to sugar and gasoline rations, World War II united all 
Americans. The cooperation and patriotism shown during those times 
illustrate the best of the American spirit. It is no wonder that these 
Americans are so often referred to as ``the Greatest Generation.''
  Today, approximately 20,000 World War II veterans live in Florida's 
Fifth Congressional District. I regularly meet with these veterans. 
Almost always, what I hear from them is their concerns about where our 
Nation is going. They fear that we have abandoned the goals and ideals 
that they fought for, and that 405,000 members of the Armed Forced died 
for, during World War II.
  I would like to thank my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Skelton, for 
introducing this resolution to recognize the service and sacrifices of 
all of the brave men and women who fought against some of the greatest 
evil the world has ever known. I hope that as we honor these veterans 
with this resolution, we will also honor them with our acts--returning 
to the beliefs in democracy, liberty, and freedom from tyranny that 
made our great Nation what it is today.
  With that I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
  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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