WASHINGTON   –  “History has been told, stories written, movies made and letters collected that convey the heroism of the American soldiers who, sometimes literally, clawed Europe back from the Third Reich’s grasp one acre at a time.  Nothing compares, however, to hearing the history of the Second World War directly from the Americans who fought the battles, marched the miles, and lived the history that kept the world free from fascism.

This year marks a special commemoration for the millions of WWII veterans who served in Europe, fewer of whom are with us each year.  It marks the 65th Anniversary of the end days of WWII.  On February 19th, Marines landed on Iwo Jima.  On April 25th, American and Russian forces met at Torgau, on the banks of the Elbe River, in Germany.  And on May 8th, 1945, Germany surrendered and the war in Europe ended.

V-E Day is on most calendars because it was and is one of the momentous days in American history.  It reminds us of the value of freedom and liberty, our commitment to those virtues, and the powerful alliances among peace-loving nations that prevailed in WWII.  The posture of our nation in the war would have meant little, however, without the American people standing behind them.

In the European theater of WWII, U.S. troops parachuted into the Netherlands and Germany during Operation Market Garden.  They stormed the beaches at Normandy.  They swept through Italy from North Africa.  At home, Americans planted victory gardens to help the war effort. They bought war bonds.  They took on tough jobs to produce the supplies our troops needed to fight a war a half a world away.  Together, Americans saved, sacrificed, volunteered and mourned the loss of family members, loved ones, friends and neighbors.  On May 8th, they celebrated together.

When the peace was reached as a result of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, celebrations spilled into American streets.  Just because the war had ended in Europe, however, did not mean the end to the U.S. commitment to win the war in the Pacific, to keep the war economy going, and to prepare to welcome home millions of young Americans who had been serving far from home.

Many Americans, even in our own Missouri communities, are lucky to have had the experience of learning that good news 65 years ago.  Their personal experiences are invaluable, whether they were in uniform on V-E day, at home in the States, or listening to the radio.  Our entire nation, focused on the singular goal of winning WWII, marked the achievement of something truly great on May 8th.  The shape of the free world today is still founded on the victory of the Allies in Europe.

No less important were the contributions of Americans fighting elsewhere around the globe, in WWII and in wars that would arise in the future to defend the light of liberty for our friends and for ourselves.  But V-E day marks the very first moment when America saw the light growing in a world darkened by fascism, and we have millions of our fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers to thank for their gift of freedom we must treasure, respect and defend with all our hearts.”