Political Quotes

“Today the nations of Europe enjoy historically unprecedented freedoms and economic success as democracy flourishes across the continent. This was not the case a mere 50 years ago. I rise today to ask my colleagues and the American people to recall the state of the European Continent at the end of World War II. Like many of you, I will never forget the horrible devastation that the world witnessed in Europe: the destruction of the world's most remarkable cities; devastation of God's beautiful countryside; and the despair of the people. Europeans endured not only the ravages of two world wars, but also economic and political turmoil throughout the first half of this century. As I recall, even the elements seemed to plot against a post-World War II European recovery--one of the harshest European winters on record was in 1946. This situation might well have precipitated renewed divisions and another war rather than a lasting peace. It was quite possible that we may have never enjoyed, in our lifetime, a Europe such as it thrives today, if it had not been for the foresight and wisdom of then- Secretary of State, and former Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George Catlett Marshall. On behalf of the American people, George Marshall conceived and implemented one of the most benevolent acts of charity in the history of mankind. Under his stewardship, the European Recovery Program, or Marshall plan, provided over $13 billion in economic relief to the nations of Europe.”