releases: http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407966
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| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407966 | <span class ="kicker">APP Op-Ed on WW II vets by Smith</span>'75 years after the end of World War II, we honor 'exceptional heroism' | Smith' | 2020-09-03 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Asbury Park Press Opinion-Editorial By Rep. Chris Smith Sept.2, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and the day Imperial Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The war that began for the Unites States with the bloody and unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec.7, 1941, ended on Sept.2, 1945, with unconditional surrender, bringing to a close a war that Americans fought on two fronts, where over 400,000 Americans sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. What followed on Sept.3, 1945, was unprecedented in world history the democratization and rebuilding by America of a former adversary. The National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC(Photo: VickyRu, Getty Images/iStockphoto) Japan and Germany the latter assisted by the Marshall Plan are today great friends and allies of the United States. More: Aberdeen Vietnam War medic gets Silver Star 51 years after defending wounded GIs' lives The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., contains a quote most fitting for today. President Truman expressed the profound gratitude of our nation, which is as true today as it was when he first uttered the words: Our debt to the heroic man and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude; America will never forget their sacrifices. A view of the inscribed quote by President Harry Truman beginning, "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women..." at the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.(Photo: Mosslight Fine Art Photography, Getty Images) May we never forget that when faced with an attack on our nation, American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guard and merchant marine backed by home front workers and supported by spouses, family and fellow Americans responded with great courage and perseverance. Today, my wife Marie and I remember both our fathers' and the lasting legacy of service to country they left to our family. Both served in the Pacific theatre. Both were card-carrying members of the Greatest Generation that saved the world from oppression and tyranny. Both simply said they did their duty. My dad, Bern Smith, was a combat infantryman who fought in New Guinea and other islands and was deployed to the Philippines for its liberation. He seldom spoke about his experience it was too painful even decades later but my dad often spoke of the incredible bond of friendship forged with his army buddies during battle and the indomitable will to overcome all adversity and prevail. In like manner, my wife's father, Donald Hahn, served at sea onboard the heavy cruiser USS Canberra and was a part of the massive effort to subdue the large and highly capable Japanese navy. USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey editorial board sits down with (pictured) Republican incumbent Chris Smith and Democratic challenger Josh Welle during a debate at the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, NJ Thursday, October 25, 2018. (Photo: Tanya Breen) We remember and we honor the exceptional heroism of the Greatest Generation. The passage of time will never diminish the respect and gratitude of Americans for the sacrifice and valor of those who fought to safeguard liberty in World War II on the battlefield and on the home front. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) Chris Smith represents the 4th District, which includes parts of Monmouth and Ocean The above article ran in the Sept. 2, 2020 online edition of the Asbury Park Press and can be found online at: https://www.app.com/story/opinion/columnists/2020/09/02/75-years-after-end-ww-ii-we-honor-exceptional-heroism-smith/5689810002/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |