OBSERVANCE OF MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE WEEK
OCTOBER 8-14, 2003
WHEREAS, the Eighth Air Force was formed and dispatched to England in 1942 to become the largest military unit in World War II, the largest bomber force of all time, with over 350,000 men and women who served in Europe; and
WHEREAS, the Eighth Air Force has continued as an operational combat unit to this day, with over 1,000,000 serving the country in war and peace; and
WHEREAS, no Mighty Eighth mission was ever turned back due to enemy action. The cost was 26,000 killed in action, over 28,000 prisoners of war, and countless numbers missing in action; and
WHEREAS, in the one-week period of October 8-14, 1943, the Eighth Air Force lost over 150 bombers and their crews to enemy action over the skies of Europe. Despite these losses, many feel this was the turning point of daylight strategic bombing; and
WHEREAS, the veterans of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, the largest single unit of military veterans in history, are seeking to inform later generations of the contributions and sacrifices made by their generation to perpetuate our freedom and way of life.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Oak Creek, do hereby proclaim the week of October 8-14, 2003 to be
MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE WEEK
in the City of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and the citizens of the City of Oak Creek are urged to commend this observance.
Dated this 7th day of October, 2003.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
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Alderperson, 1st District Alderperson, 4th District
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Alderperson, 2nd District Alderperson, 5th District
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Alderperson, 3rd District Alderperson, 6th District