Peters Introduces Bill to Commemorate End of WWII
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the son of a World War II veteran, today introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a commemorative program ahead of the 75th anniversary of World War II in 2020. The program’s goals are to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust. Peters, who is a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, introduced the bill with Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dean Heller (R-NV).
“The men and women who served our country during World War II answered the call of duty to defeat evil in its worst forms - despite knowing the perils they would face,” said Senator Peters. “I am honored to help introduce bipartisan legislation that will ensure the sacrifices made during World War II will be recognized as we approach the war’s 75th anniversary. Michigan built the Arsenal of Democracy that helped defeat tyranny, and this legislation will ensure the war and its impact on the course of the world will be remembered.”
The legislation, 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act, would authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program that supports federal, state, and local governments as well as non-profit organizations and groups organizing commemorative events and direct the Department of Defense to consult with United States Holocaust Memorial Museum regarding commemorative activities.
Federal funding for the program would be matched with private donations and in-kind contributions to support federal, state, and local governments as well as non-profit organizations and groups conducting 75th Anniversary of World War II commemorative activities.
Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for our nation’s servicemembers and veterans. In 2016, the President signed into law Peters’ amendment to help veterans erroneously discharged from the military due to behavior linked to mental traumas, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Most recently, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to update the current funereal benefit system for eligible veterans to treat all non-service connected deaths equally, regardless of where the veteran passes away.
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