LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION urging Congress to establish "Spirit of '45 Day"
to commemorate the end of World War II and to preserve and promote the
legacy of service and unity of the World War II generation

WHEREAS, On August 14, 1945, the people of the United States received
word of the end of World War II; and
WHEREAS, On that day, people in the United States and around the world
greeted the news of the Allies' noble victory with joyous celebration,
humility, and spiritual reflection; and
WHEREAS, The victory marked the culmination of an unprecedented
national effort that defeated the forces of aggression, brought freedom
to subjugated nations, and ended the horrors of the Holocaust; and
WHEREAS, These historic accomplishments were achieved through the
collective service and personal sacrifice of the people of the United
States, both those who served in uniform and those who supported them on
the home front; and
WHEREAS, More than 400,000 Americans gave their lives in service to
their country during World War II; and
WHEREAS, August 14, 1945, marked not only the end of the war, but also
the beginning of an unprecedented era of rebuilding in which the United
States led the effort to restore the shattered nations of the Allies and
their enemies alike and to create institutions to work towards a more
peaceful global community; and
WHEREAS, The men and women of the World War II generation created an
array of organizations and institutions during the postwar era which
helped to strengthen American democracy by promoting civic engagement,
volunteerism, and service to community and country; and
WHEREAS, The courage, dedication, self-sacrifice, and compassion of
the World War II generation have inspired subsequent generations in the
United States Armed Forces, including the men and women currently in
service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world; and
WHEREAS, The entire World War II generation, military and civilian
alike, has provided a model of unity and community that serves as a
source of inspiration for current and future generations of Americans to
come together to work for the continued betterment of the United States
and the world; and
WHEREAS, The second Sunday in August has been proposed as "Spirit of
'45 Day" to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War II on
August 14, 1945; and
WHEREAS, The Spirit of '45 Alive! is a national grassroots campaign to
mobilize communities across the country to commemorate the 65th Anniver-
sary of the end of World War II on August 14th, by establishing a perma-
nent annual day of remembrance to honor the legacy of the men and women
of America's "greatest generation"; and
WHEREAS, The goal of this non-partisan, nonprofit initiative is to
inspire a renewed sense of community and national unity in our Nation by
establishing a day when Americans will stop to reflect on the achieve-
ments of the men and women who endured the Great Depression, preserved
freedom and democracy in the most devastating war in history, and then
went on to rebuild their shattered world; and
WHEREAS, Their example of courage, self sacrifice and commitment to
community can inspire a renewed sense of national unity at a time when
our Nation must once again come together to meet common challenges; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the New York State Congressional delegation be and
hereby is respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to urge
Congress to establish "Spirit of '45 Day" to commemorate the end of

World War II and to preserve and promote the legacy of service and unity
of the World War II generation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to each member of the Congressional delegation from the State of
New York.