[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15325]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 70--SUPPORTING THE OBSERVANCE OF ``SPIRIT 
                              OF '45 DAY''

  Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Burr, Mr. Lieberman, 
Mr. Akaka, and Mr. Inouye) submitted the following concurrent 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                            S. Con. Res. 70

       Whereas on August 14, 1945, the people of the United States 
     received word of the end of World War II;
       Whereas on that day, people in the United States and around 
     the world greeted the news of the Allies' noble victory with 
     joyous celebration, humility, and spiritual reflection;
       Whereas the victory marked the culmination of an 
     unprecedented national effort that defeated the forces of 
     aggression, brought freedom to subjugated nations, and ended 
     the horrors of the Holocaust;
       Whereas these historic accomplishments were achieved 
     through the collective service and personal sacrifice of the 
     people of the United States, both those who served in uniform 
     and those who supported them on the home front;
       Whereas more than 400,000 Americans gave their lives in 
     service to their country during World War II;
       Whereas August 14, 1945, marked not only the end of the 
     war, but also the beginning of an unprecedented era of 
     rebuilding in which the United States led the effort to 
     restore the shattered nations of the Allies and their enemies 
     alike and to create institutions to work towards a more 
     peaceful global community;
       Whereas the men and women of the World War II generation 
     created an array of organizations and institutions during the 
     postwar era which helped to strengthen American democracy by 
     promoting civic engagement, volunteerism, and service to 
     community and country;
       Whereas the courage, dedication, self-sacrifice, and 
     compassion of the World War II generation have inspired 
     subsequent generations in the United States Armed Forces, 
     including the men and women currently in service in Iraq, 
     Afghanistan, and around the world;
       Whereas the entire World War II generation, military and 
     civilian alike, has provided a model of unity and community 
     that serves as a source of inspiration for current and future 
     generations of Americans to come together to work for the 
     continued betterment of the United States and the world; and
       Whereas the second Sunday in August has been proposed as 
     ``Spirit of '45 Day'' to commemorate the anniversary of the 
     end of World War II on August 14, 1945: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress supports the observance of 
     ``Spirit of '45 Day''.

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