103 STAT. 3082 PROCLAMATION 6014—AUG. 29, 1989 previous month, Nazi Gennany and the Soviet Union had plotted the conquest and partition of Poland and the Baltic States. While many of the events that took place during the fateful month of September 1939 and the 6 turbulent years that followed might seem remote today, it is our duty—to future generations and to those who bravely defended the cause of freedom—to remember them. By recall- ing these events, we remind ourselves that real and lasting peace can be won only when the rights and dignity of all human beings are cher- ished and protected. During World War II, the United States and its allies were engaged in nothing less than a life-and-death struggle for the fate of millions of people. Totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan—intent on regional hegemony and even world domination—^posed a threat to all free and sovereign nations. The imperialist aims and racist policies of the government of Nazi Germany and some of its allies resulted in the deaUis of millions of innocent men, women, and children—including six miliion Jews. By the end of the 6-year-long war, more than 15 million combatants and 24 million noncombatants had been killed. Many of these casualties occurred among the people of the U.S.S.R., whose sac- rifices were instrumental in securing the Allied victory. The enormous costs of this fight against tyraimy can never be forgotten. Today, the principles that motivated the Western Allies during World War II continue to demonsfrate their undeniable appeal. The history of the Federal Republic of Gennany is now a moving testament to the power of democratic ideas, the wisdom of West Germany's post-war leaders, and the talent and resilience of the German people. Today the Federal Republic is among America's closest allies, and a champion of human rights, democracy, and freedom. The people of Eastern Euurope have continued to struggle for freedom and their right to self-determination. With courage and persistence the Polish and Hungarian people have begun a democratic fransition in their countries. The United States welcomes positive changes in Poland and Hungary— and in the Soviet Union itself. Nevertheless, we realize that the goals fought for during World War II have not been fully won. We stand with those peoples who continue to struggle for representative govern- ment and complete and lasting guarantees of their God-given rights. We look to a Europe whole and free. Today, as we recall the grave events of September 1, 1939, and the years of bitter conflict that followed, let us pause to salute our Nation's veterans, the hundreds of thousands of Americans who gave their lives, and the millions of civilians who rallied to support the cause of free- dom. Their coiu'age and selflessness—^reflected day after day in acts of great personal sacrifice—^led the way to victory. Let us also rededicate ourselves to promoting freedom and respect for human rights aroimd the world, for they are the only sure foundation for lasting peace. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 221, has designated the week beginning September 1, 1989, as "World War II Remembrance Week" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this occasion.
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