U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson
As we reflect on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, we remember the strife and lessons learned during that difficult period of history. We remember not only the sacrifices, but also the national spirit and pride of the “Greatest Generation.”
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I remain inspired by this unique band of heroes, and I am working to ensure we keep the promises made to all our veterans.
One of the most moving trips I have ever taken was over Memorial Day in 2007, when I traveled to the World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, where more than 8,000 Americans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge are laid to rest. I walked along the rows of crosses and Stars of David looking for Georgians buried in those spots so that I could say a brief prayer for them.
When I came to the end of Row H toward the back of the cemetery, a tear welled up in my eye when I read: Roy C. Irwin, New Jersey, died December 28, 1944 — the very same day I was born.
I have spent my entire life in a free society enjoying the freedoms that we as Americans often take for granted. I served in the Georgia Air National Guard, raised a family and have nine grandchildren. I have had the opportunity to serve Georgians in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate because of Roy C. Irwin, who died in the battlefields of the Battle of the Bulge on the same day that I was born, fighting for democracy, freedom and the liberation of Europe.
As we debate important issues in this country and the debate at times becomes contentious, we must remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have a free and open debate and move our country forward.
We should also say a special prayer for the parents of young Americans who fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan and who are waging battles today. Our cause ultimately will prevail, and America will continue to serve as a beacon of freedom, liberty and democracy.
When we liberate the oppressed of the world, we only ask for one thing when we leave: a couple of acres to bury our dead who sacrificed for those ideals.
Thank God for the American soldiers who fought and died for our country, and thank God for the United States of America.
Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States
On the 70th anniversary of V-J Day, I salute those valiant individuals who served in the armed forces during World War II.
We enjoy freedom today because millions of patriotic men and women answered their country’s call to service and sacrifice. Not seeking glory for themselves, but peace and liberty for us all, these veterans represent the spirit that has preserved us as a great nation.
Theirs is an imperishable roll of honor.
Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young
I grew up in New Orleans, and in 1936 I lived 50 yards from the headquarters of the Nazi Party, so I was aware of the war potential since I was 4 years old. … It was very much a part of my growing up.
It was perhaps the scariest time of my life because I knew the U.S. was not really interested in going to war or prepared for war. But the country pulled together under President Roosevelt as never before. He rallied the American people. …
Hosea Williams was probably the only one of our civil rights group who had fought in the war. He was in a foxhole and everyone there was killed but him. He came back and felt that God had saved his life to fight for freedom at home. …
I agree with Tom Brokaw that this was America’s Greatest Generation. People, young and old, volunteered to serve. Women came out of the kitchen to build airplanes and ships. It was a total mobilization toward the focus of freedom.
U.S. Sen. David Perdue
This year we celebrate the Greatest Generation and commemorate the sacrifices they made 70 years ago to free an entire continent from tyranny.
Like many Americans my age, my father, David A. Perdue Sr., served in World War II and the Korean War. He retired as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve in 1952 and taught me at a young age that no one understands the true price of freedom more than our nation’s veterans.
Our veterans answered the call of duty, fought in the trenches and stared down the enemy. It is now our duty to preserve their legacy and fulfill our country’s promises to these American heroes.
Veterans Service Organizations and programs like Honor Flight do an outstanding job of honoring our heroes and reconnecting them with their comrades. We must build on their successes and strive to always support our veterans and their families.
Today, we salute you, the Greatest Generation, and Georgia’s entire military community. Thank you for protecting our beloved nation and promoting freedom throughout the world.
Former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland
My father was stationed as an enlisted man in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor after the attack on Dec. 7, 1941.
I grew up at my father’s knee, listening to his stories about the native Hawaiians describing the attack. He told me about seeing Japanese planes still in the water.
My father came home on the night of Dec. 8, 1945. I was 3 1/2 years old. I still remember him in his Navy uniform that night. He cuddled me in his arms and kissed me as I pulled at his service ribbons. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. My father will always be a great hero to me.
The members of the Greatest Generation including my mother will always be my greatest heroes and heroines. They will always have my utmost respect and heartfelt thanks for the legacy they left to us all.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal
As we commemorate the end of World War II this year, and as the men and women who served in both the European and Pacific fronts are fading from our midst, it is altogether appropriate that we pause and reflect upon their sacrifices and on the foundations of liberty that they left for us.
In the decades that have followed, we’ve called upon our young men and women to protect those liberties in conflicts around the world. Even today, we are asking our young people to fortify the outposts of liberty — protecting not only the oppressed citizens in their midst, but also erecting shields that protect us all — in remote corners around the world.
As a blessed people, we should take this opportunity to acknowledge our gratitude and the blessings we enjoy that have been paid for through the blood and sacrifice of our veterans.
Former U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss
As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, we are again reminded that freedom is not free but comes with a very high cost. Let us always remember those brave men and women who fought and died in strange and faraway places, some of whom rest in peace in those foreign countries today.
This anniversary is not only an opportunity to remember these courageous World War II heroes but to also remind ourselves how fortunate we are to live in the greatest and freest country in the world, and in these complex and difficult times in which we live, our position of being the world’s strongest military power can never be compromised.
Former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn
All Americans are grateful for the incredible contributions of our nation’s Greatest Generation. I salute all of our World War II veterans and heroes who served our nation and who spread the inspirational lessons of duty, honor, integrity, courage and character.
As we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served and those who gave their lives, let us also remember those who grieved: mothers and fathers who buried their sons and daughters, young women who were planning a wedding that never happened and young mothers left to raise their children alone.
Let us never forget the family’s share of the sacrifice that comes with military service, including the families of those in uniform today who protect our nation around the world.
Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes
World War II changed the world, and ensured the 70 years of peace we have enjoyed since that time.
It saw the United States emerge as the dominant world power and brought the South into the mainstream of the nation. It came at a terrible sacrifice of human lives.
We owe a debt to this Greatest Generation for their sacrifice. The GI Bill, which came out of the war, transformed America and made it the leader it is today.
President Barack Obama, in a 2014 speech commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day (courtesy of the White House):
They left home barely more than boys and returned home heroes. But to their great credit, that is not how this generation carried itself. …
These men waged war so that we might know peace. They sacrificed so that we might be free. They fought in hopes of a day when we’d no longer need to fight. We are grateful to them. …
Whenever the world makes you cynical, whenever you doubt that courage and goodness is possible — stop and think of these men.
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