Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 06, 2004)

Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge on the occasion of its 60th Anniversary this month. On November 16, 2004, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 110, a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, and I was proud to vote in favor of H.J. Res. 110.

Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Bulge was a significant turning point of the Allied victory over the Axis powers in Northern Europe. At the time of the battle, from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, the outcome of World War II was in question. But neither the harsh winter nor enemy fire could overcome the Allied determination to win the greatest battle of that war.

Mr. Speaker, out of the 16 million veterans of World War II, roughly 4 million are with us and about 1,200 die each day. With each death, we lose a first hand account of the war and the opportunity to thank them for their service. That is why it is so important that the House, on this anniversary, acknowledge the sacrifice and service of the men of the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Speaker, after 60 years, the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge are traveling to Belgium and Luxembourg this month to participate in 60th Anniversary events. They and their families will join with the people of Belgium and Luxembourg in somber remembrance of the battle. Both the King of the Belgians, Albert II, and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri, will participate in official events.

Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts is home to the Central Massachusetts Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. The Worcester chapter has 155 members. Its objective is to honor the men who fought at the battle, to preserve historical data and sites, to foster international peace and goodwill, and to promote friendship and comradeship. The Worcester chapter has honored the 10 sons of Worcester who died during the battle by placing square markers throughout the city. Many members of the chapter are going to Europe this month for the remembrance services.

Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Bulge and World War II tore apart the continent of Europe. It pitted great civilizations against each other in an epic battle for control of Europe. But the Allied victory and the great sacrifice of the men of World War II have contributed to today's peace in Europe. Indeed, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and other nations involved in the Battle of the Bulge are allies today as members of NATO. Our countries have worked closely on solidarity, freedom, security, and the trans-Atlantic alliance. Today's European and American cooperation is due in large part to the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank these veterans for their service, their courage, their sacrifice and their continuing efforts to foster international freedom and democracy.