December 17, 2019

Senate Passes Resolution Commemorating The 75th Anniversary Of The Battle Of The Bulge

Washington, D.C. – In recognition of the Battle of the Bulge beginning 75 years ago, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution last week introduced by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) commemorating this anniversary. S. Con. Res 23 honors the valiant efforts of the Allied Forces in December 1944, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this last major German offensive in Western Europe during World War II. There were 89,000 American casualties in this 38-day battle, and 19,000 American soldiers lost their lives. The Allied victory in this battle helped make possible the final defeat and surrender of Germany in May 1945.

“I am proud that my colleagues have come together to pass this resolution that honors the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge,” said Senator Manchin.  “The Battle of the Bulge was the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States in World War II and proved decisive in turning the tide against the Nazi regime. I hope this remembrance helps to teach our children about the American qualities of resilience, perseverance, and ingenuity that helped our military overcome great odds and a surprise attack by the Germans in the middle of winter. Not surprisingly, many West Virginians took part in this battle, including James ‘Aubrey’ Stewart from Piedmont who we honor as one of the 11 African American soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion massacred along with ‘The Wereth 11.’ To this day, West Virginians in Mineral County honor the service of Aubrey Stewart, and cherish his memory. Those who served in this battle are what made that generation the greatest this country has ever seen. It is our duty to honor and remember their sacrifices made for our freedoms. This resolution is the perfect way to do so while also highlighting the end of the Nazi regime and the work of the Allied Nations.”

“75 years ago, many Americans lost their lives fending off the German offensive during the Battle of the Bulge, and these efforts ultimately paved a way to end the war five months later,” Senator Capito said.  “As the daughter of a WWII veteran who fought in Germany, having the chance to visit this historical location this past weekend was a powerful reminder of the heroic actions of the Allied Forces that protected our democracy. The resolution signifies that we have not forgotten their sacrifice. I’m grateful to the West Virginians who fought to defend freedom and save the world from tyranny.”

Senators Manchin and Capito were joined in introducing this resolution by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Susan Collins (R-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Todd Young (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Barasso (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI),  Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Doug Jones (D-AL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD).