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Committee hears resolution recognizing 80th anniversary of World War II; veterans groups urge outreach
Summary
Sen. Mike Cuff presented SJR 20 to honor the 80th anniversary of WWII's end and Montana's veterans. Witnesses from the American Legion and the Montana 250th Commission backed the resolution and suggested curricular and public recognition uses; no vote was recorded.
Sen. Mike Cuff (Senate District 1) presented Senate Joint Resolution 20 to the House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee, asking the Legislature to recognize the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Montana’s contributions to that conflict. "This resolution is recognizing the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War II," Cuff said, citing Sept. 2, 1945, and urging commemoration.
Duane Cunningham, speaking for the American Legion, urged adoption and provided service estimates: approximately 77,000 Montanans served during World War II, about 1,900 did not return, and an estimated 378 World War II veterans remained in Montana as of 2024. "This is a simple thing that we need to recognize our World War II veterans," Cunningham said.
Chris Averill, chair of the Montana 250th Commission, told the committee the detail in the resolution could be used for school curricula and public exhibits and recommended partnering with historical societies and public events, such as the Greater Yellowstone Airshow, to highlight Montana contributions.
Sen. Cuff closed with historical anecdotes about Montana’s contributions, including Native American code talkers and training facilities in the state, and urged the committee to support the resolution. The committee did not take a formal vote during the hearing; members and witnesses discussed ways to convert the resolution’s language into outreach, curriculum and recognition opportunities.
