Blumenthal, Rounds Introduce Resolution to Mark the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II and honor our nation's Greatest Generation.

"It is a privilege to recognize the service and sacrifice of the brave Allied and American forces who saved the free world in World War II. This resolution recognizes the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II and pays homage to the Greatest Generation and all that they gave to defend democracy, celebrating their tremendous heroism and honoring the incalculable costs in the fight for freedom," said Senator Blumenthal.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to our Greatest Generation who led us to victory in World War II. These men and women in uniform were prepared to sacrifice everything in order to preserve the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States and defend our allies around the globe. I'm pleased to be cosponsoring this resolution to honor their actions and commemorate the end of World War II," said Senator Rounds.

The Senators' resolution calls on the Senate to honor all veterans, living and deceased, who served in World War II in the Pacific and European theaters, and express the deep appreciation and gratitude for the valor and selfless service of these veterans. It also calls on the United States to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945, reaffirm the Treaty of Peace with Japan done at San Francisco September 8, 1951, and recognize the alliances formed in the Indo-Pacific region following the end of World War II.

The United States entered World War II on December 8^th, 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and more than 16,300,000 United States citizens served in the military during the war. Approximately 415,000 United States servicemembers were killed, another 670,000 were seriously wounded, and 130,000 were held prisoners of war. September 2^nd, 1945 marked the official end of World War II, with representatives of the Allied and Japanese governments signing the Instrument of Surrender-a formal, written agreement prepared by the Department of War and approved by President Harry S. Truman.

The Senator's resolution to honor World War II veterans and commemorate the end of the war is endorsed by the National World War II Museum, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and The American Legion.

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