PUBLIC LAW 101-83—AUG. 14, 1989 103 STAT. 589 Public Law 101-88 ^"^ 101st Congress Joint Resolution To designate the week beginning September 1, 1989, as "World War II Remembrance Aug. 14, 1989 Week-: ' [H.J.Res.221] Whereas on September 1, 1939, troops of the German Third Reich launched a surprise attack upon Poland and began the military actions that led to World War 11; Whereas the Governments of Japan, Italy, and other states subse- quently joined Nazi Germany in attacking their neighboring states to bolster their national pride and achieve imperialistic economic advantages; Whereas the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and many other nations declared war upon the aggressors; Whereas as a result of the six-year conflict that ensued over fifteen million combatants were killed and over twenty-four million non- combatants died; Whereas the warring nations suffered nearly $1,900,000,000,000 in costs directly related to the conduct of the war, and the severe disruption and dislocation of the conflict resulted in losses totaling many times that amount to their economies; Whereas as a result of the vicious racist policies of the Government of Nazi Germany and some of its allies, millions of innocent men, women, and children were murdered, including some six million Jews; Whereas as a result of wartime fears and prejudices, millions of innocent individuals were needlessly displaced, interned, har- assed, placed under suspicion, and deprived of their property by nations on both sides of the conflict; and Whereas as a consequence of technological innovations which came about as a result of this war, devastating conventional weapons and the threat of nuclear annihilation directly affect growing segments of civilian populations: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, the week beginning September 1, 1989, is designated "World War II Remem- brance Week" and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the period with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Approved August 14, 1989. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 221: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 135 (1989): July 17, considered and passed House. Aug. 2, considered and passed Senate.
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