This week marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was on September 2, 1945 that Japan signed the terms of unconditional surrender aboard the USS Missouri, which was anchored in Tokyo Bay.
The USS Missouri, the last American battleship to be built and the last to be decommissioned, now stands silent guard over Pearl Harbor, the site of the December 7, 1941 sneak attack that propelled America’s entry into the war.
I was privileged to represent Missouri this week as a member of the Armed Services Committee to participate in ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the end of hostilities. I was deeply moved to meet and visit with WW II veterans who had been young sailors on board 70 years ago and witnessed the historic signing. We are free today due to their bravery and sacrifice.
The “Mighty Mo” and the nearby USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place for sailors and Marines who were killed aboard the Arizona that fateful day in 1941, sit in Pearl Harbor bow to bow. These two ships serve as bookends of America’s involvement in World War II representing the heartbreak of the tragic beginning and hope for a brighter future at the end of the conflict.
This surprise attack on “Battleship Row” led America to join our allies in bringing peace to the world. Our “Greatest Generation” lined up at recruitment centers all across our country to enlist and to take up arms against Japan, which dominated the Pacific, and the Nazis, who had seized control of Europe. What these men and women did not only saved our country, but the entire world.
As I stood aboard the USS Missouri, I could picture the events of that day when General Douglas MacArthur presided over Japan’s formal surrender and the restoration of world peace. It was another day that lived in infamy which began a new day.
We must never forget the bravery of those who answered the call, giving their all to bring an end to the deadliest war in human history. It was an honor to play a small role in commemorating their contributions to our country and the world. I thank them and veterans past, present, and future. We will forever be grateful for all they have done.
The USS Missouri, the last American battleship to be built and the last to be decommissioned, now stands silent guard over Pearl Harbor, the site of the December 7, 1941 sneak attack that propelled America’s entry into the war.
I was privileged to represent Missouri this week as a member of the Armed Services Committee to participate in ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the end of hostilities. I was deeply moved to meet and visit with WW II veterans who had been young sailors on board 70 years ago and witnessed the historic signing. We are free today due to their bravery and sacrifice.
The “Mighty Mo” and the nearby USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place for sailors and Marines who were killed aboard the Arizona that fateful day in 1941, sit in Pearl Harbor bow to bow. These two ships serve as bookends of America’s involvement in World War II representing the heartbreak of the tragic beginning and hope for a brighter future at the end of the conflict.
This surprise attack on “Battleship Row” led America to join our allies in bringing peace to the world. Our “Greatest Generation” lined up at recruitment centers all across our country to enlist and to take up arms against Japan, which dominated the Pacific, and the Nazis, who had seized control of Europe. What these men and women did not only saved our country, but the entire world.
As I stood aboard the USS Missouri, I could picture the events of that day when General Douglas MacArthur presided over Japan’s formal surrender and the restoration of world peace. It was another day that lived in infamy which began a new day.
We must never forget the bravery of those who answered the call, giving their all to bring an end to the deadliest war in human history. It was an honor to play a small role in commemorating their contributions to our country and the world. I thank them and veterans past, present, and future. We will forever be grateful for all they have done.
3 comments:
How ironic that she say this. VA benefits were greatly expanded after WW 2. It is written that those GI Bills had the most impact on our society than perhaps any other as far as improving the lives of veterans. There was a job for most veterans returning from the war. Now? Veteran benefits are now being chipped away by her congress. The manufacturing sector is now mostly gone. Jobs that await current Vets consist of wages that fall below the poverty line. People openly loath the veterans who receive benefits today. What WW 2 Vets accomplished must never be forgotten. But our current vets are fighting a very different war today, and they are no less heroic/brave. Mrs. Hartzell, why don't you honor WW 2 Vets by not screwing todays Vets?
Veteran benefits are now being chipped away by her congress.
As Reagan said, "It isn't so much that liberals are ignorant. It's just that they know so many things that aren't so." Going from this VA Fast Facts sheet, the discretionary budget, that which Congress appropriates every year, has gone up every year from 2006 to 2015.
From everything I've seen, it's a bureaucracy problem, they just don't care about their official mission, don't even discipline the people who shred documents submitted by veterans and otherwise ignore them and their needs. That can only be fixed by changing the people in charge, and I hope I don't have to tell you who's been selecting those starting in 2009.
The increases you speak of are inadequate due to the fact that we are having a huge surge in claims due to the 2 wars lasting 12 plus years. There are some 2.7 million claims. Congress has repeatedly refused to approve what has been requested. Also adding costs are the new accepted claims of Viet Nam Agent Orange cases. Although I am sure you are correct that there are bureaucratic problems, that does not explain nearly explain all the issues.
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