[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 233 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
May 4, 2005.
Whereas on May 7, 1945, at General Dwight Eisenhower's headquarters in Reims,
France, a representative of the German High command signed the document
of surrender, unconditionally surrendering all air, land and sea forces
to the Allies on May 8, ending the war in Europe;
Whereas Western Europe and the United States have traditionally celebrated May 8
as the day of the Allied ``Victory in Europe'' over Germany, or ``V-E
Day'';
Whereas May 8, 2005, marks the 60th anniversary of V-E Day;
Whereas V-E Day was a day for which millions had worked and fought and prayed
and died during that terrible war;
Whereas this day marked the end of six years of misery, suffering, courage, and
endurance across the world;
Whereas the United States Armed Forces fought with their Allies to free occupied
nations and their victory in Europe represented the triumph of good over
unspeakable evil, and the promise of a peaceful future for a Europe
ravaged by the bloodiest war in its history;
Whereas V-E Day marked the culmination of the efforts of many different nations
in the Allied forces who were united by the common quest for peace and
justice and who fought valiantly to liberate occupied countries and to
prevent Hitler's onslaught;
Whereas the more than 4,000,000 members of the United States Armed Forces
deployed in Europe, the largest United States military force ever
committed to any theater of operation, were joined by millions of
members of the armed forces of other Allied nations, and together
provided the essential strength and made innumerable sacrifices to end
the war in Europe;
Whereas almost 200,000 members of the United States Armed Forces gave their
lives in battle and hundreds of thousands were wounded in the European
theater during World War II;
Whereas European countries have erected many monuments and plaques commemorating
their liberation by the United States and its Allies during World War
II;
Whereas the 60th anniversary of V-E Day in 2005 will be marked by many
commemorative events by citizens of the United States and many other
nations; and
Whereas the courage and sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed
Forces and of many other nations who served with distinction to save the
world from tyranny and aggression should always be remembered: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the 60th anniversary
of the end of World War II in Europe, joins with a grateful Nation in expressing
respect and appreciation to the men and women who served in the European theater
during World War II, and remembers and pays tribute to those Americans who made
the ultimate sacrifice and gave their life for their country.
Attest:
Clerk.