K 624: Recognizing the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II

 Assembly Resolution No. 624 BY: M. of A. Stern RECOGNIZING the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II WHEREAS, May 8, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, the formal end of World War II in the European Theater and August 15, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of V-J Day, the formal end of World War II in the Pacific Theater; and WHEREAS, September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland and thus began World War II Britain and France responded by declaring war on Germany on September 3; and WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the United States' naval base located at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941; and WHEREAS, On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his speech to Congress to request war declaration stated those famous words "Yesterday, December 7, a date which will live in infamy"; and WHEREAS, Millions of people around the globe and from all walks of life fought in the war, suffered from its consequences, or perished in the war; and WHEREAS, The involvement of the United State brought with it a heavy toll in terms of the lives of American citizens, both military and civilian, wounded, captured or killed; and WHEREAS, During the years of World War II in which the United States participated, 38% percent of Americans were service members, 61.2% were draftees, and the average duration of military service was 33 months; 73% served overseas with an average of 16 months abroad, and 38% of the enlisted personnel had rear echelon assignments ranging from administrative, support, or manual labor; and WHEREAS, 407,316 Americans were killed and about 671, 278 were wounded during the Second World War; and WHEREAS, 900,000 New Yorker served in World War II; 43,000 died in military service and 25,935 died in combat; and WHEREAS, World War II was a global conflict, with fighting in every quarter of the globe, and affecting every segment of society and the world economy with no distinction made between combatants and civilians; and WHEREAS, The United States of America took the leading role in building the grand alliance of nations dedicated to victory over totalitarianism and to the establishment of a postwar international organization dedicated to maintaining world peace and security; and 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, 1945, ending the war in Europe; and WHEREAS, On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe Day was proclaimed and observed in Western Europe and Great Britain, as well as in Canada and the United States, when President Truman dedicated the Allied victory to the memory of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who died on April 12, 1945; furthermore, the Soviet Union marked the end of the war on May 9, 1945, where the war was known as the Great Patriotic War; and WHEREAS, V-J, or Victory over Japan Day marks the end of World War II; President Harry S. Truman announced on August 14, 1945, Japan had surrendered unconditionally; War-weary citizens around the world erupted in celebration; President Truman said "This day is a new beginning in the history of freedom on this earth. Our global victory has come from the courage and spirit of free men and women united in determination to fight."; however, V-J Day would officially be celebrated in the United States on the day formal surrender documents were signed abroad the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945; and WHEREAS, The National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. was dedicated on May 29, 2004, and dedicated to the legacy of "The Greatest Generation"; and WHEREAS, The National World War II Museum, formally known as The National D-Day Museum, was founded in 2000; it was designated by Congress as America's official National World War II Museum in 2004, and is in New Orleans, Louisiana; and WHEREAS, The New York State World War II Memorial is located at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York; at the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2001, Governor George Pataki said "This memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to the 1.7 million New Yorkers whose heroism and sacrifice helped with the Second World War. By preserving their legacy for future generations, we will ensure that their patriotism and bravery are not forgotten." the memorial was dedicated in 2002; and WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to recall the events of World War II as the 80th anniversary of its end draws near and to remember the sacrifices of those who fought, and honor those who died, so that this nation, and the world at large, can enjoy the benefits of freedom today; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the men and women who served our nation during the Second World War and to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of ending the war, both in Europe and the Pacific; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the American Legion Department of New York, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New York, the Disabled American Veterans Department of New York, the Jewish War Veterans Department of New York, and the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.