Hoyer Statement on 70th Anniversary of V-J Day

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today marking the 70th anniversary of V-J Day, which occured on August 15, 1945:

“Tomorrow, we mark seventy years since the end of the Second World War, a conflict that saw the forces of freedom and democracy overcome those of fascism and totalitarianism.  Between the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945, millions of Americans answered the call to serve our nation in uniform or went to work on the home front in support of the war effort.  The Allied victories in Europe and the Pacific came about not only from the courage of those who bore arms but from the unity of purpose embraced by our nation and those nations who fought alongside us. 

“Today, we listen in awe to the veterans of the Second World War as they share their stories about camaraderie and determination in the face of unspeakable challenge – and we pledge to continue meeting our nation’s commitment to them and to all America’s veterans.  We honor them for the gift of freedom they bestowed upon us and the world.  And we give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and today rest in quiet fields at home and across oceans, never to be forgotten.

“As we commemorate the heroes of Midway, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and so many other battles across the Pacific, let us also celebrate the bonds of peace and friendship that have been forged over the past seven decades between the United States and Japan.  Together, our nations continue to stand as partners in defense of democracy and to draw on the difficult lessons of war as we work toward a more just and peaceful world.”