Assembly Resolution No. 1613
BY: M. of A. Stern
RECOGNIZING the 81st Anniversary of the End of
World War II
WHEREAS, May 8, 2026, marks the 81st anniversary of V-E Day, the
formal end of World War II in European Theater, and August 15, 2026,
marks the 81st 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, 1939; and
WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, Japan 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, 1941, 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 States 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% of Americans were service members; 61.2% were
draftees; 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 Yorkers 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 occurring
in every quarter of the globe, 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 Allied Powers 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 Unition 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, that 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 aboard 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 located in New Orleans, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, The New York State World War II Memorial is located at the
Empire State Plaza in Albany; 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 81st Anniversary of its end draws near, and to remember the
sacrifices of those who fought, and to honor those who died, so that
this Nation, and the world at large, could 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 81st 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.
