Bill Summary
This legislation is a resolution that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors the veterans who served in the Pacific and European theaters. It acknowledges the sacrifices and service of over 16 million US citizens who served in the military during the war. It also recognizes September 2, 1945 as the official end of the war, when the Allies and Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender. The resolution calls on the people of the United States to remember and appreciate the sacrifices of the "Greatest Generation" in preserving liberty for future generations. It also mourns the lives lost in the Battle of Okinawa and reaffirms the Treaty of Peace with Japan, which ended the "state of war." The resolution also recognizes the partnerships and alliances formed in the Indo-Pacific region after World War II, and how they have contributed to peace and prosperity in the region.
Possible Impacts
1. The resolution may bring up painful memories for veterans and their families, potentially affecting their mental health and well-being.
2. The resolution may also bring attention to the sacrifices made by the "Greatest Generation" and encourage younger generations to honor and respect their service.
3. The resolution may bring attention to the ongoing impact of the war, such as the alliances and partnerships formed in the Indo-Pacific region, and how these continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 383 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 383
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II
with the surrender of Imperial Japan and honoring veterans of both the
Pacific and European theaters.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 10, 2025
Mr. Blumenthal (for himself and Mr. Rounds) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II
with the surrender of Imperial Japan and honoring veterans of both the
Pacific and European theaters.
Whereas, after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941,
the United States declared war on Japan, and later declared war on
Germany and Italy after their declarations of war on the United States,
fully entering the United States into World War II and joining the
Allies to fight the Axis Powers in a war in which over 16,300,000
citizens of the United States served in the military;
Whereas, during World War II, approximately 415,000 United States servicemembers
were killed, another 670,000 were seriously wounded, and 130,000 were
held as prisoners of war; and
Whereas September 2, 1945, marked the official end of World War II, with
representatives of the Allied and Japanese governments signing the
Instrument of Surrender, prepared by the Department of War and approved
by President Harry S. Truman: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) honors all veterans, living and deceased, of the
Pacific and European theaters of World War II on the 80th
anniversary of the conclusion of World War II;
(2) expresses the deep appreciation and gratitude of the
United States for the valor and selfless service of the
veterans of World War II;
(3) calls on the people of the United States to commemorate
the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Instrument of
Surrender aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) on September 2, 1945,
as a day of appreciation for the members of the ``Greatest
Generation'' who, through their sacrifices both in the Armed
Forces and on the home front, preserved liberty for future
generations;
(4) mourns the more than 200,000 people, including more
than 12,000 United States servicemembers and up to 150,000
Japanese civilians, who died from April 1 to June 22, 1945, in
the Battle of Okinawa, which was the only land battle on the
home islands of Japan and the costliest ground combat of the
Asia-Pacific War, and which led President Harry S. Truman to
re-examine the costs of invading mainland Japan;
(5) reaffirms the Treaty of Peace with Japan, done at San
Francisco September 8, 1951 (commonly known as the ``Treaty of
San Francisco''), which formally ended the ``state of war'';
and
(6) recognizes the alliances and partnerships formed in the
Indo-Pacific region following World War II, including those
with Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, the Republic
of Korea, and Thailand, as well as critical defense sites
developed on Okinawa, Guam, Wake Island, the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated
States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and elsewhere,
have contributed immeasurably to the continued peace and
prosperity enjoyed throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
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