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.
