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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, On August 14, 1945, the people of the United 
3States received word of the end of World War II and greeted the 
4news of the Allies' noble victory with joyous celebration, 
5humility, and spiritual reflection; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, The victory marked the culmination of an 
7unprecedented national effort that defeated the forces of 
8aggression, brought freedom to subjugated nations, and ended 
9the horrors of the Holocaust; and
  
 
10    WHEREAS, These historic accomplishments were achieved 
11through the collective service and personal sacrifice of the 
12people of the United States, both those who served in uniform 
13and those who supported them on the home front; more than 
14400,000 Americans gave their lives in service to their country 
15during World War II; and
  
 
16    WHEREAS, The date of August 14, 1945 marked not only the 
17end of the war but also the beginning of an unprecedented era 
18of rebuilding led by the United States to restore the societies 
19of both its allies and former foes alike, as well as the 
20formation of an array of organizations and institutions that 
21helped to strengthen American democracy by promoting civic 
22engagement, volunteerism, and service to community and 
 
 
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1country; and
  
 
2    WHEREAS, The courage, dedication, self-sacrifice, and 
3compassion of the "ordinary heroes" of the World War II 
4generation continue to inspire our nation, especially those men 
5and women who are currently serving around the world protecting 
6our country; and
  
 
7    WHEREAS, The entire World War II generation, military and 
8civilian alike, has provided a model of national unity and 
9community that will continue to serve as a source of 
10inspiration for current and future generations of Americans to 
11come together to work for the continued prosperity of the 
12United States and the world; therefore, be it
  
 
13    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
14NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
15encourage the citizens of this State to remember both those who 
16served in uniform and those who supported them on the home 
17front during World War II; and be it further
  
 
18    RESOLVED, That we designate the third Saturday of August in 
192015 as "Spirit of '45 Day" in the State of Illinois to 
20commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War II on 
21August 14, 1945.