Jerry Nadler: “60 years ago the guns and bombs in Europe fell silent, and President Truman announced victory over Europe to a proud and…”

“60 years ago the guns and bombs in Europe fell silent, and President Truman announced victory over Europe to a proud and free world. I rise today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of this great and very important day, and to recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments of the men and women who so bravely served to defeat hate and aggression. I join millions of people participating in thousands of events, in New York City, all across the United States, and around the world, in observing and honoring the courage of American service-members, allied soldiers, and home front workers. During April 1945, allied forces led by the United States overran Nazi Germany from the west while Russian forces advanced from the east. On April 25, American and Russian troops met at the Elbe River. After 6 years of war, suffering, and devastation, Nazi Germany was formally defeated a few days later on May 8, 1945. It was a bittersweet victory. Over 400,000 American soldiers died in World War II; 350, 000 British soldiers gave their lives; and a staggering 20 million Russian soldiers and civilians perished in the war fighting German aggression on their home soil. The war also brought about the most horrendous systematic murder which humanity has ever known, the Holocaust.…”