Recognizing the 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II

Floor Speech

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Mr. KING. Mr. President, this month, 70 years ago, the greatest crisis of the 20th century came to an end. Lasting 6 full years and involving participants from over 30 countries, World War II was the most widespread and devastating war in human history. America's isolation from this dreadful conflict abruptly ended when, on the morning of December 7, 1941, our Nation came under sudden and deliberate attack. In less than 2 hours, thousands of lives were lost as bombs fell across the island of Oahu and that quiet Sunday morning quickly turned into a terrible scene of violence and horror.

But the attacks on Pearl Harbor did not break the American spirit. In this darkest of moments, our country discovered a renewed sense of strength, courage and resiliency; qualities that define us. And, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, American forces joined the Allied Powers, fighting side-by-side against Nazi oppression in Europe and Japanese expansion in the Pacific. Sixteen million Americans bravely served in these two theaters of conflict, and it was through their patriotism and courage that freedom was able to triumph over tyranny.

I also want to recognize Maine's important role in the war effort. In northern Maine, Army airfields in Bangor, Presque Isle, and Houlton provided strategic air basing and training sites which facilitated the deployment of personnel and equipment overseas to the frontlines. And along the coast, where the Kennebec River meets the sea, Bath Iron Works established its reputation for producing the ``best-built'' destroyers in the world. The shipyard delivered a total of 83 new ships to the U.S. Navy--hitting a 2-year peak production of 21 ships a year or an average of 1 destroyer every 17 days. Bath-built ships survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, landed troops at Normandy, supported Marines at Iwo Jima, and sank Nazi U-boats in the Atlantic. Maine's support to our Armed Forces during the war years was unparalleled in terms of dedication, scope, and impact.

And, above all else, we must honor the immeasurable contributions of our servicemembers. As a State with one of the highest percentages of veterans per capita in the Nation, the war's legacy resonates strongly in Maine. During World War II, nearly 80,000 Maine citizens served overseas. Their steadfast perseverance, patriotism, and bravery in the face of grave danger helped secure a better future for generations to come.

On this 70th anniversary of World War II, we remember all the American and Allied servicemembers who bravely served on land, air, and sea; as well as those on the homefront providing for our warfighters. Their service and sacrifices contributed to international peace and stability and ensured the continued promise of the freedoms we enjoy today.

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