Reps. Richardville, Wojno, Accavitti, Amos, Anderson, Bieda, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Byrum, Casperson, Caswell, Caul, Clack, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Emmons, Farhat, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hardman, Hoogendyk, Hopgood, Huizenga, Hummel, Jamnick, Koetje, LaJoy, LaSata, Law, Lipsey, McConico, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, Murphy, Palmer, Pastor, Plakas, Pumford, Rivet, Rocca, Sak, Shackleton, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Smith, Spade, Stakoe, Steil, Stewart, Tabor, Taub, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Waters, Woodward, Woronchak and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 264.

            A resolution commemorating June 6, 2004, as World War II Veterans Survivors Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, It is with great respect that we proudly commemorate June 6, 2004, as World War II Veterans Survivors Day.  As we remember the many sacrifices that our veterans made during World War II, it is only right that we give thanks to all those who gave so much for the sake of freedom.  Over 16 million U.S. armed forces personnel served in World War II between December 1, 1941 and December 31, 1946.  Many of these Americans made the supreme sacrifice.  Over 292,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines were killed in battle and another 114,000 service personnel died serving during other efforts to preserve the freedom we all enjoy today; and

            Whereas, The sacrifices made by our service men and women during World War II can not be overstated.  In September 1940, the Congress, by a very narrow margin, approved the first peacetime draft and by years end the first Michigan draftees were inducted.  Approximately 670,000 Michigan men and women served in the armed forces during World War II.  In fact, the average length of active duty by U.S. military service personnel was 33 months and almost three-fourths of all individuals served an average length of 16 months overseas.  Of the over 16 million service personnel who served, fewer than 4 million still survive; and

            Whereas, The average age of World War II veterans is 80 years old and according to the 2000 census 11.6% were still employed.  In addition, an estimated 210,000 of our World War II veterans are women.  These facts demonstrate the strength and endurance of our veterans and are an inspiration to us all; and

            Whereas, Many World War II veterans will visit the newly constructed National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.  This memorial is a fitting and most deserved tribute for our veterans and may it serve as a solemn reminder of those who fought for the cause of freedom; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 6, 2004, as World War II Veterans Survivors Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That we remember in our hearts those who gave their lives and express our gratitude to the many surviving veterans who live in the United States.