[Page S5560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING GREATEST GENERATION WEEK AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF 
                                  WWII

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Greatest 
Generation Week and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. I 
am honored to have the opportunity to speak about this truly 
significant milestone marking the end to one of the most tumultuous and 
tragic global events in history. It was the resilience and patriotism 
of millions of Americans, both soldier and citizen, that shaped a 
generation and the future of this Nation. On the 80th anniversary of 
the end of World War II, we pay tribute to our fellow Americans, and 
the ``greatest generation,'' that united under the banner of our flag 
to fight tyranny and injustice.
  On September 2, 1945, U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur accepted 
the formal surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri. For those of the 
``greatest generation,'' this date represents the culmination of 1,226 
days of arduous and demanding sacrifice. During World War II, over 16 
million Americans served in uniform. In fields and factories, American 
workers produced the materials for victory in quantities previously 
unimagined. Michigan became an arsenal for democracy as our assembly 
lines became the frontlines of an unprecedented war effort. Untold 
others sacrificed at home by rationing, purchasing war bonds, or 
contributing to the war effort in countless small ways.
  As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of that costly war, 
we wish to express our deep gratitude to those remaining members of the 
``greatest generation'' who willingly bore such burdens for our 
freedom. As we honor the living among us, we must also remember the 
dead. Over 400,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice during World 
War II, and of these, the remains of over 70,000 have never been 
located. To this day, the bodies of over 2,400 Michiganders remain 
unrecovered in distant battlegrounds and beneath the waves.
  It is my great honor to extend my gratitude to the servicemembers and 
civilians that have sacrificed for our country. I ask all my colleagues 
to join me in recognition of Greatest Generation Week and commemoration 
of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

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