Tony Thurmond: “it is an honor for me to address this joint meeting of Congress to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the…”

“it is an honor for me to address this joint meeting of Congress to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the second World War; and it is my privilege to cochair this event with my able and distinguished colleague from South Carolina, Congressman Floyd Spence. It is appropriate that we commemorate the end of the war, for it is truly a defining moment in our history. It is also fitting that we honor the memory of those who supported the war effort, those who served and particularly those who fell. Many individuals worked unselfishly and to the limit of their ability to achieve the victory. Many contributed their best efforts to provide our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, Coast Guardsmen and merchant mariners with the means they needed to prevail. Many served in uniform and placed their lives at risk and many paid the ultimate price. We pause today to remember these sacrifices because each one was an essential component of our overall success and, without them, our world today would be a very different place. We pause to express our formal appreciation of those who placed the value of liberty and the future of our civilization above their own personal safety and comfort. Our hearts go out once again to the parents and loved ones whose loss has been so great. This is also a day to recall the bravery of individuals who were decorated and particularly those who were awarded the Medal of Honor.”