Res. No. 1551 Title Resolution declaring October 8- 14, 2000, "Mighty Eighth Air Force Week" in the City of New York. Body By Council Members Ognibene, Marshall, Nelson, Abel, Golden and Stabile; also Council Members O'Donovan, Robles and Wooten Whereas, Created in 1942 to battle the German Luftwaffe for control of the European skies, The Eighth Air Force utilized Royal Air Force bases in England while new bases were built for the United States Air Force; and Whereas, Over one million Americans have served in the Eighth Air Force throughout its illustrious history, including more than 350,000 who served in Europe between 1942 and 1945; and Whereas, During World War II, the Eighth Air Force was able to mass a force of 2,000 four engine bombers and more than 1,000 fighters on a single mission, which overpowered the Germans and was a major factor in the Allied victory; and Whereas, Because the Eighth Air Force was engaged in vicious battles early in World War II and throughout the duration of the war, half the casualties suffered by the United States Air Force in the war, as well as 28,000 of the 43,000 American aviator prisoners of war, were members of the Eighth Air Force; and Whereas, Presently stationed in Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, the Eighth Air Force has served admirably in every major armed conflict the United States has faced since World War II and continues to serve today; and Whereas, Today, the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, the largest single military unit veterans group in United States history with 20,000 members, ensures that the contributions and sacrifices made by members the Eighth Air Force, as well as all branches of our country's military, will be remembered; and Whereas, The Eighth Air Force Historical Society usually holds its annual reunion during the month of October; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares October 8-14, 2000, "Mighty Eighth Air Force Week" in the City of New York. LS# 3174 06/20/00