[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. ____________________