113 STAT. 1702 PUBLIC LAW 106-142—DEC. 7, 1999 to secure their freedom, have graciously hosted countless veterans groups over the years; Whereas the City of Bastogne has an annual commemoration of the battle and its annual Nuts Fair has been expanded to include commemoration of the legendary one-word reply of "Nuts" by Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne Division when called upon by the opposing German commander at Bastogne to surrender his forces to much stronger German forces; Whereas the Belgian people erected the Mardasson Monument to honor the Americans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge as well as to commemorate their sacrifices and service during World War II; Whereas the 55th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in 1999 will be marked by msiny commemorative events by Americans, Belgians, and Luxembourgers; and Whereas the friendship between the United States and both Belgium and Luxembourg is strong today in part because of the Battle of the Bulge: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That Congress— (1) commends the veterans of the United States Army, the British Army, and military forces of other Allied nations who fought during World War II in the German Ardennes offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge; (2) honors those who gave their lives during that battle; (3) authorizes the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to honor the vetersms of the Battle of the Bulge with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; and (4) calls upon the President to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between the United States and both Belgium and Luxembourg. Approved December 7, 1999. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 65: HOUSE REPORTS: No. 106-352, Pt. 1 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 145 (1999): Oct. 5, considered and passed House. Nov. 19, considered and passed Senate.
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