Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I too want to rise in strong support of this resolution. I also want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), my friend and colleague on the other side of the aisle, for speaking in favor of this resolution. I also want to thank the Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, the resolution before the House recognizes an important turning point in World War II, the Battle of the Bulge. With the outcome of the war uncertain, American forces proved that neither bitter winter nor enemy fire could sway the resolve in the greatest battle of that war.

I am most pleased we are moving expeditiously to recognize this critically important battle. The roughly 4 million World War II veterans who remain from the original 16 million are in the twilight of their years and 1,200 die every day. We are rapidly losing both our witnesses to history and the chance for many of us to thank them.

And so we remember that great battles are won not with rhetoric, but by our soldiers on the battlefield. While we commemorate those soldiers who left behind families and careers during World War II to fight for freedom, we also honor those for whom adult life was just beginning, the young men of the 106th Infantry, whose average age was 22 years old.

The determination, intelligence, and valor that General Eisenhower showed as military commander at the Battle of the Bulge would later be called upon in his service as President of the United States. We can only hope that our future leaders being tested today in the deserts of Iraq will have the same strength in war, but also a love for peace.

Let me just talk about a couple of statistics from the Ardennes Offensive. It was the coldest, snowiest weather in memory in the Ardennes Forest on the Belgium-German border. There were over 1 million men, 500,000 Germans, 600,000 Americans, more than who fought at Gettysburg, and 55,000 British soldiers. There were three German Armies, 10 corps, the equivalent of 29 divisions. The American Armies had three armies, six corps, the equivalent of 31 divisions. There were 100,000 German casualties, killed, wounded, or captured, and 81,000 of our own American casualties, including 23,554 captured, and as the gentleman from New York (Mr. King) mentioned, 19,000 of our young men killed. There were 1,400 British casualties, including 200 killed, and 800 tanks lost on each side, along with 1,000 German aircraft.

I might also mention something that even I knew, and my colleague knows as well, and he was born 18 years after this incredible battle, is the story of Major General Anthony McAuliffe, whom Hitler called upon to surrender Bartongre Garrison, and his response has been lauded and made known to millions of Americans throughout history. His response to Hitler was ``nuts.''

The United States and Luxembourg remain steadfast allies. As common members of NATO, our countries have cooperated on many issues, including peacekeeping during the first Gulf War and recent humanitarian aid for Iraq. Our friendship is historic, and more than 5,000 American soldiers, including General George S. Patton, are buried at the American military cemetery near its capital.

Although an occasional critic of the United States, Belgium is still a solid ally and a member of NATO. The Belgian people continue to exhibit good will and gratitude for the Allied Forces that freed them from Nazi occupation. Today, they form a wealthy, prosperous nation possessing some of the highest levels of education, health, and well- being in the world today.

When we look back on World War II, we see it was a battle against tyranny, against Fascism. The United States and her allies will always stand on the side of freedom and democracy and against totalitarian regimes wherever they are.

Let this resolution and the Battle of the Bulge Memorial Marker in Arlington National Cemetery serve as a reminder for all those who gave their all, and also as a reminder that we should thank our veterans whenever we have the opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to include for the Record the statistics I read off, which were provided via the Internet by John Kline, who was at the Battle of the Bulge.

Battle Experience and Related Facts: Battle of the Bulge, December 16,

1944 to January 25, 1945

(By John Kline)

On 16 December 1944 the Germans started their Ardennes

Offensive. The 106th Infantry Division, in place of a salient

jutting out into Germany were hit with full force. After

three days of battle, two of the Regiments, the 422nd and the

423rd were surrounded. The 424th, south of the other two

regiments, was able to withdraw and join with the 112th

Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division. They

formed a Regimental Combat Team and were successful in the

oncoming days of January 1945 in helping counter the German

attack driving the Germans back through the same area where

the 106th had been in position in mid-December 1944. This

German Offensive became known in the U.S. Forces journals as

The Battle of the Bulge.

battle facts

The coldest, snowiest weather ``in memory'' in the Ardennes

Forest on the German/Belgium border.

Over a million men, 500,000 Germans, 600,000 Americans

(more than fought at Gettysburg) and 55,000 British.

3 German armies, 10 corps, the equivalent of 29 divisions.

3 American armies, 6 corps, the equivalent of 31 divisions.

The equivalent of 3 British divisions as well as

contingents of Belgian, Canadian and French troops.

100,000 German casualties, killed, wounded or captured.

81,000 American casualties, including 23,554 captured and

19,000 killed.

1,400 British casualties 200 killed.

800 tanks lost on each side, 1,000 German aircraft.

The Malmedy Massacre, where 86 American soldiers were

murdered, was the worst atrocity committed against American

troops during the course of the war in Europe.

My division, the 106th Infantry Division, average age of 22

years, suffered 564 killed in action, 1,246 wounded and 7,001

missing in action at the end of the offensive. Most of these

casualties occurred within the first three days of battle,

when two of the division's three regiments was forced to

surrender.

In it's entirety, the ``Battle of the Bulge,'' was the

worst battle--in terms of losses--to the American Forces in

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 110) recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 110. This joint resolution recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and honors those who sacrificed their lives in the European theater of operations during World War II. From December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, 600,000 American troops and 55,000 British, Belgian, Canadian and other soldiers fought honorably in this battle. The defeat of Nazi Germany 4 months after the conflict would not have been possible without the success of the Allied forces during this crucial battle.

The Battle of the Bulge was a surprise German offensive against Allied forces and was intended to permanently defeat the Allied forces. The battle began before dawn on the morning of December 16, and the soldiers faced treacherous conditions of subfreezing temperatures, snow, rough terrain, limited supplies and limited manpower, but they never ceased to fight valiantly against the Nazi Army.

During this battle, Mr. Speaker, there were 81,000 U.S. casualties, including 19,000 Americans who were killed. Additionally, 1,400 British soldiers were killed.

There were many outstanding successes during this battle. For instance, the 101st Airborne captured Bastogne before the Germans could launch a siege of the city, and this was very strategic for this battle.

Mr. Speaker, it is also to be noted, though, that this legislation was introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), the Speaker of the House, who has a supreme interest in all matters involving World War II. In fact, this past summer, I had the privilege of traveling to Normandy to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and I know of the intense interest the Speaker has in honoring all the men and women of the Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much to defeat the Nazis and the Japanese during World War II.

Also, it should be noted that the Speaker's ancestors come from Luxembourg, and he has a special interest in this legislation because the Battle of the Bulge forged distinctly close relationships between the Americans and the people of Belgium and Luxembourg. In fact, to this day, Luxembourg has numerous memorials and monuments honoring the great sacrifices made by the United States during World War II and specifically after the Battle of the Bulge.

So this joint resolution recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, authorizes the President to issue a proclamation calling upon American citizens to honor the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge with appropriate programs and ceremonies and activities.

This joint resolution not only reaffirms the bonds of friendship between the citizens of the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg, but encourages citizens of all countries to honor those who bravely fought for world peace in the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank my good friend from New York (Mr. Crowley) for his supporting comments and for the great work he does on behalf of our veterans, certainly World War II veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, sixty years ago, the forces of the Third Reich pushed forward into the mountainous and heavily forested Ardennes region of Luxembourg and Belgium. Since the landing of Allied forces in Normandy six months before, the war had not gone well for Germany. This offensive represented the last desperate gasp of Germany to save itself from total defeat. The Nazi goal was to reach the North Sea, hamstring Allied armies, and force a negotiated peace on the western front. The offensive failed.

Although the Nazis surprised the Allied forces, American troops gave no ground without a fight. Perhaps the most famous story demonstrating American tenacity is the story of General Anthony McAuliffe. Although surrounded by German forces demanding his surrender. General McAuliffe replied with a single word: Nuts. Despite continued German attacks, McAuliffe's determination and stubbornness had been demonstrated and the American lines were not broken.

American and Allied bravery during the Battle of the Bulge cannot be doubted. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers fought during this battle bravely to bring peace and freedom to Europe. Over half a million Allied soldiers, the bulk of whom were American, took part in the battle. During the month and a half long battle 81,000 Americans were injured and 19,000 killed.

The Battle of the Bulge sealed the fate of Germany on the western front. Notwithstanding our ultimate success, we faced many obstacles, including weather and supply problems, which could have slowed our victory. December 1944 was one of the most inclement winters on record. Snow and rain had slowed the Allied advance and hampered our ability to wage war.

Fearing what would happen if the foul weather continued, General George Patton of the American Third Army, distributed the following prayer to his troops during the Battle of the Bulge:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee,

of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains

with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for

Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon

Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory

to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our

enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations.

Although some object to praying to God for victory in battle, General Patton pointed out that American troops were fighting for freedom from evil and tyranny. They were not fighting only for themselves, but also for millions of people they had never met. Their cause was right and just.

As the United States is currently engaged in a right and just battle, I cannot help but draw parallels between our brave soldiers then and now. Then, as now, the enemy was a tenacious foe determined to break our will and break our spirit. Then, as now, our troops did not give an inch without a fight. And then, as now our troops were battling to bring peace and freedom to a region that has seen so much evil, destruction, and heartache. Then, as now, our case was right and just.

On the sixtieth anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, I will join Speaker Hastert and other Members in Luxembourg at ceremonies honoring all of our soldiers who fought so bravely many years ago. Although many of them are no longer with us, the memory of their accomplishment and the gratitude of millions of people will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge on the occasion of its 60th Anniversary this month. On November 16, 2004, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 110, a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, and I was proud to vote in favor of H.J. Res. 110.

Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Bulge was a significant turning point of the Allied victory over the Axis powers in Northern Europe. At the time of the battle, from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, the outcome of World War II was in question. But neither the harsh winter nor enemy fire could overcome the Allied determination to win the greatest battle of that war.

Mr. Speaker, out of the 16 million veterans of World War II, roughly 4 million are with us and about 1,200 die each day. With each death, we lose a first hand account of the war and the opportunity to thank them for their service. That is why it is so important that the House, on this anniversary, acknowledge the sacrifice and service of the men of the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Speaker, after 60 years, the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge are traveling to Belgium and Luxembourg this month to participate in 60th Anniversary events. They and their families will join with the people of Belgium and Luxembourg in somber remembrance of the battle. Both the King of the Belgians, Albert II, and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri, will participate in official events.

Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts is home to the Central Massachusetts Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. The Worcester chapter has 155 members. Its objective is to honor the men who fought at the battle, to preserve historical data and sites, to foster international peace and goodwill, and to promote friendship and comradeship. The Worcester chapter has honored the 10 sons of Worcester who died during the battle by placing square markers throughout the city. Many members of the chapter are going to Europe this month for the remembrance services.

Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Bulge and World War II tore apart the continent of Europe. It pitted great civilizations against each other in an epic battle for control of Europe. But the Allied victory and the great sacrifice of the men of World War II have contributed to today's peace in Europe. Indeed, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and other nations involved in the Battle of the Bulge are allies today as members of NATO. Our countries have worked closely on solidarity, freedom, security, and the trans-Atlantic alliance. Today's European and American cooperation is due in large part to the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank these veterans for their service, their courage, their sacrifice and their continuing efforts to foster international freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 110, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

I thank Speaker Hastert for scheduling this bill and giving us this opportunity to pay tribute to the brave Americans who fought and died in that crucial battle. I know that this is personal to the Speaker. His mentor, the former Republican Leader from Illinois, Bob Michel, received the Purple Heart and other citations for his bravery in that battle. I share the Speaker's respect for Leader Michel. Further, the Speaker's family hails from Luxembourg, and the special ties between our countries that resulted from the Battle of the Bulge have great meaning to him.

This is personal to me as well. My uncle, Johnny D'Alesandro, was one of the heroes who gave their lives for their country in the Battle of the Bulge. Like so many other families, his sacrifice was for us a source of both sorrow and pride--deep sadness over the loss of a wonderful man; tremendous pride that one of our own helped to preserve the freedom and values that we cherish as a nation.

But beyond the personal significance that the battle holds for us is the towering importance it holds for human history. The Allied victory in World War II literally saved the world, and that victory became inevitable when the Allied forces successfully repelled the surprise German attack in what we call the Battle of the Bulge.

With bitter cold and blinding snow, it was the bloodiest single battle ever fought by American soldiers. There were 81,000 American casualties, including 19,000 killed in action. The heroes of that battle rightfully take their place among the bravest and most noble in American history.

We dedicated the World War II Memorial on the Mall this year to pay tribute to all of the veterans of that war, and we will honor the heroes of the Battle of the Bulge with ceremonies by citizens of the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, and many other nations in the coming months. But we can never truly repay the debt we owe them. We can offer only our words of heartfelt gratitude and our promise to never forget the sacrifice they made for our country.

May God bless the heroes of the Battle of the Bulge. May God bless all of the men and women serving in uniform today. And may God bless America.