HRES360SEP9

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending September 9, 2005

H.RES.360 Commemorating the 60th anniversary of V-J Day and the end of World War II in the Pacific.

BRIEF

It was August 15, 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces thereby ending WWII. The surrender was made formal by September 2, 1945 the Resolution preamble explained.

It was the war in the Pacific that finally brought the previous four years of war to an end leaving in its wake 92,904 dead Americans, 208,333 wounded and tens of thousands missing in action or taken prisoner, the preamble noted.

All’s well that ends well the Resolution would seem to conclude noting that Japan is now a valued friend and partner to the US.

The Resolution recognizes those who served in WW II and those who sacrificed life in the War in the Pacific.

Sponsor: Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL-6^th)

Vote: Passed House 394 to 0 (RC 454) (September 6, 2005)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

MORE INFORMATION

Whereas the United States entered the Second World War in December 1941, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and over the next four years Americans participated in what was arguably the greatest national endeavor in the Nation's history;

Whereas the casualty toll of Americans in the Pacific Theater during World War II was approximately 92,904 killed, 208,333 wounded, and tens of thousands missing in action and prisoners of war, with civilians and military forces of the Allied Powers suffering equally devastating tolls;

Whereas Japanese military forces and the Japanese civilian population also suffered staggering losses;

Whereas on August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito of Japan announced the unconditional surrender of Japan's military forces, made formal on September 2, 1945, aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan; thus ending the most devastating war in human history;

Whereas Japan is now a free and prosperous democracy, a valued, durable friend based on shared values and mutual interests, and a guarantor against despotism and oppression in that area of the world; and

Whereas the courage and sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces and of the military forces of the Allied Powers who served valiantly to rescue the Pacific nations from tyranny and aggression should always be remembered: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) recognizes the 60th anniversary of V-J Day and the end of World War II in the Pacific theater;

(2) joins with a grateful Nation in expressing respect and appreciation to the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Pacific theater during World War II; and

(3) remembers and honors those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for their country during the campaigns in the Pacific theater during World War II.

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