[Pages H2769-H2774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS WHO SERVED DURING WORLD WAR II, THE AMERICANS
WHO SUPPORTED THE WAR, AND CELEBRATING THE COMPLETION OF THE NATIONAL
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 409), recognizing with
humble gratitude the more than 16,000,000 veterans who served in the
United States Armed Forces during World War II and the Americans who
supported the war effort on the home front and celebrating the
completion of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall
in the District of Columbia.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 409
Whereas the National World War II Memorial on the National
Mall in the District of Columbia will be the first national
memorial to both recognize the courage, bravery, and
unselfish dedication of the members of the United States
Armed Forces who served in World War II and those who served
on the home front and acknowledge the commitment and
achievement of the entire American people in that conflict;
Whereas World War II veteran Roger Durbin of Berkey, Ohio,
first proposed the construction of a National World War II
memorial, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of
[[Page H2770]]
Ohio introduced legislation to establish the memorial in the
District of Columbia to honor members of the Armed Forces who
served in World War II and to commemorate the participation
of the United States in that war;
Whereas, in Public Law 103-32 (107 Stat. 90; 40 U.S.C. 8903
note), approved May 25, 1993, Congress authorized the
American Battle Monuments Commission, an independent Federal
agency, to design and construct the memorial;
Whereas the location selected as the site for the memorial,
the Rainbow Pool site on the National Mall at the east end of
the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the
Washington Monument, was dedicated on November 11, 1995;
Whereas, in an open competition, the American Battle
Monuments Commission selected Friedrich St. Florian as the
design architect for the memorial, and his final
architectural design was approved by the Commission of Fine
Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission, and the
Secretary of Interior;
Whereas the late Representative Bob Stump of Arizona, who
served as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives, sponsored several measures to expedite the
funding and construction of the memorial, which were enacted
as sections 601, 602, and 603 of Public Law 106-117 and
Public Law 107-11;
Whereas after eight years of planning, six years of public
deliberation, and four years of fund raising, construction
began on the memorial in September 2001;
Whereas the memorial would not have been possible without
the efforts and dedication of National Chairman Senator
Robert J. Dole and National Co-Chairman Frederick W. Smith,
who were instrumental in raising over $194,000,000 for the
construction of the memorial;
Whereas these generous contributions came from hundreds of
thousands of individual Americans, as well as corporations,
foundations, veterans groups, fraternal and professional
organizations, States, communities, and schools;
Whereas actor Tom Hanks, the Advertising Council, and the
History Channel played a key role in increasing public
awareness of the heroic achievements of American World War II
veterans and the war effort and in raising support for the
memorial;
Whereas President George W. Bush will formally dedicate the
memorial on May 29, 2004;
Whereas the memorial will be a monument to the selfless
sacrifice and undaunted courage of the members of the United
States Armed Forces who served in World War II and a place of
remembrance to honor the more than 400,000 American
servicemen and servicewomen who died in that conflict
defending the United States; and
Whereas the memorial will be a source of inspiration for
current and future generations of Americans, giving visitors
to the memorial a new appreciation for the accomplishments of
America's World War II generation, which united in the quest
to free the world from tyranny: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress recognizes with humble gratitude
the more than 16,000,000 veterans who served in the United
States Armed Forces during World War II and the Americans who
supported the war effort on the home front and celebrates the
completion of the National World War II Memorial on the
National Mall in the District of Columbia.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the prime sponsor of
the resolution.
Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman very much for
yielding me this time and for his leadership not only on this issue
today, the previous one, but all the many things he does on behalf of
our country's veterans. I am delighted to join him as a member of his
committee here today on a resolution that I introduced, H. Con. Res.
409, which recognizes the men and women who served during World War II,
those who died defending our freedom, and the millions of Americans who
supported the effort on the home front.
This resolution also celebrates the completion of the National World
War II Memorial here in our Nation's Capital, on the Mall between the
Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, which will be dedicated
on May 29. Veterans who served in World War II and their families have
made a tremendous sacrifice for this country, and I am proud to be
involved in honoring those men and women with this memorial.
I am also proud to be from a State that has been home to many
prominent members of our military, including the gentleman just
described in the previous bill, Mr. Colmery, who was a Kansan, and who
wrote out the GI Bill of Rights on a napkin here in Washington, D.C.
But also two that come to mind today, General Dwight D. Eisenhower,
from Abilene, Kansas, and Senator Robert J. Dole of Russell, Kansas.
General Eisenhower rose quickly through the ranks of the military,
and during World War II he achieved the rank of a five-star general. He
served as the Commander of Allied Forces in our landing in North Africa
in November of 1942, and on D-Day he served as Supreme Allied Commander
of our troops that began the battle for Europe. General Eisenhower's
dedication and sacrifice made a significant difference and brought
about the freedoms that we enjoy today as Americans.
A soldier from Russell, Kansas, Second Lieutenant Bob Dole, also
fought for freedom and served under General Eisenhower's command.
Second Lieutenant Dole served in World War II in the Allied liberation
of Northern Italy and was twice wounded and decorated for heroic
achievements.
Both General Eisenhower and Senator Dole achieved greatness on the
battlefield and in public service. Senator Dole is recognized in this
resolution for his contribution in making the National World War II
Memorial possible. Through his fundraising efforts as the national
chairman, Senator Dole played a crucial role in raising more than $195
million in private money pledges to construct this memorial.
All in all, Kansas is proud to be home of approximately 40,000 World
War II veterans, and I am honored to be here today to pay tribute to
them and to recognize the contribution they made for me and my family
and for all those Americans who fought for our great country.
{time} 1730
I am honored to be serving in Congress with a number of World War II
veterans, my colleagues, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
Ballenger), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Hall), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Regula), a group of men who fought the battles of World War II who now
serve with distinction in the United States Congress. I would also like
to acknowledge the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), who with her
foresight and commitment over many years brought about the legislation
that establishes this memorial honoring our World War II veterans.
Mr. Speaker, I put my tennis shoes on today and walked to the World
War II Memorial this afternoon. It is a tremendous tribute to our
Nation's veterans. If it has the impact it had upon me this afternoon,
it will be a fitting memorial to those who served our country so well.
In fact, my father, another Kansan, an 89-year-old former staff
sergeant from World War II, received a call from his son today,
something I have never said before to my dad, Dad, I love you, I am
proud of you, I thank you for your service to our country, you are to
be honored as a World War II veteran at this memorial, and it means a
lot to me and my family to know you and others, all who served like
you, have made a difference so important to all the rest of us.
So I am proud to sponsor H. Con. Res. 409, and I thank the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Resources for their support
of this resolution, and I ask my colleagues and all fellow Americans to
join me in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of our Nation's
veterans, the contributions they have made to protect this Nation and
defend our way of life, and acknowledge all those who made the World
War II memorial possible.
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 409. This
important resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of our World
War II veterans, the domestic contributions of Americans in support of
the allied victory, and celebrates the completion of the National World
War II Memorial located on the National Mall here in Washington, D.C.
[[Page H2771]]
I thank the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) for his work on this
resolution, as well as all of my colleagues who assisted in its
drafting. I especially thank the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for
all of her work and perseverance to ensure the establishment of the
National World War II Memorial and for her hard work on behalf of the
many veterans in the great State of Ohio.
Most importantly, I thank and express my gratitude to all of the
World War II veterans. Without their efforts and sacrifice, this world
would be a quite different place. This resolution is indeed important
and appropriate as we prepare to dedicated the National World War II
Memorial. Not only does it recognize the heroic veterans of World War
II, but it also commends the individual and collective contributions
that American citizens have made on the homefront in support of the
Nation's war effort. This memorial that we will soon dedicate and
celebrate will stand before us as a reminder of the great sacrifices
and the great triumphs of the Greatest Generation.
I am proud and humble to represent the 17th Congressional District of
the State of Ohio where many veterans of World War II reside. This
resolution is for them and all of those who have fought to protect this
great country, and I thank them.
Mr. Speaker, I support this measure, and I urge all Members to do the
same.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I first thank the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) for
sponsoring this important resolution and for his touching remarks and
great work on behalf of the Nation's veterans. It is appreciated by
this chairman and many others.
I also want to say I rise in strong support of this resolution which
celebrates the completion of the National World War II Memorial on the
National Mall here in Washington. More than 16 million Americans served
in the armed forces, including my own father who saw horrific action in
New Guinea, and he ended up in the Philippines at the end of the war.
Very, very rarely would he even talk about it unless my brothers and I
really prodded him for details. He finally wrote a lot of it out, which
makes for some very disturbing but important reading for any son or
daughter who had a father who fought in World War II.
This great memorial will crown that achievement because certainly all
of our fathers and mothers who participated in the war effort, whether
here at home or abroad or in any way who were a part of that great
effort, know that without them we would have been, unfortunately,
perhaps saluting the Nazi salute or been part of Imperial Japan; and we
know the terrible things that they did during World War II.
This is a fitting tribute I think to the peacemakers, the men and
women who answered the call and did so so gallantly. More than 400,000
of our GIs lost their lives in World War II. As I said, virtually every
American rose to the challenge, and that is why they are the Greatest
Generation, as said Tom Brokaw.
This is the first national memorial built to honor all of the
dedicated Americans who served during World War II. It stands as a
monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American
people to the defense of the Nation and really the defense of the
world, because without intervention of the United States and the great
leadership of Presidents Roosevelt and then Truman, the world would
have been lost to tyranny.
Someone said freedom is not free, and nothing could have been more
appropriately said by that generation in standing up against tyranny.
This resolution recognizes the leadership of Bob Stump, who as
chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Armed Services, authored legislation to expedite the funding and
construction of the memorial. Bob's family must certainly be proud of
his role in expediting this memorial and his own valiant service during
World War II.
It also recognizes the good work of the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms.
Kaptur) in helping to bring this memorial about. In 1993, we all know
Congress passed legislation that authorized the American Battle
Monuments Commission, an independent Federal agency, to design and to
construct a memorial. After years of planning, public deliberation and
fundraising, construction began in September of 2001. Funded primarily
with extensive private contributions, the memorial is located within
tennis-shoe distance, according to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr.
Moran), at the east end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln
Memorial and the Washington Monument. This prominent location is
commensurate with the historical importance and lasting significance of
World War II to America and to the world.
On May 29, nearly 59 years after the end of World War II, President
Bush will dedicate this fitting memorial, and this ceremony may well be
the last large gathering of World War II veterans, and it will be very
well attended, I am sure.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) for
sponsoring this timely resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for
his leadership and for the gentleman's work on the previous resolution
on Vietnam human rights today, and also those people who fought in the
past for our freedoms that we have today.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Rodriguez).
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Ryan) for yielding me this time on this important resolution, and I
thank the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) for deciding to do this,
because it is extremely important.
Mr. Speaker, for over 50 years America's Greatest Generation has been
waiting for a memorial to call their own. Although we have many great
monuments in our Nation's capital, we lacked a tribute to one of our
country's most defining moments. It is with great honor that I stand
before this body today to pay tribute to the more than 60 million
veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War
II. Among them was my father-in-law, Daniel Pena, and many more,
relatives and uncles and cousins. I also pay tribute to those Americans
who supported the war effort in the home front.
After 8 years of planning, 6 years of public discussion, 4 years of
fund-raising and 3 years of construction, we can finally say America's
Greatest Generation has won their final battle to have a national
monument commemorating their many sacrifices.
It is estimated that our country suffers the loss of more than 1,000
World War II veterans each day. Many of these veterans were new
soldiers with very little fighting experience. Many of them were
teenagers. All of them were heroes. During this time, Americans were
willing to set aside their differences in order to defeat tyranny. The
building of this national monument is another way for us to show
America's Greatest Generation that their sacrifice was not done in
vain.
During Memorial Day weekend, the largest gathering of World War II
veterans since 1954 is expected to visit our Nation's capital for the
official dedication of the World War II Memorial. Similarly, veterans
throughout the country will gather at their local VFWs and American
Legion halls to pay respect to the local World War II veterans. As
these gatherings occur, it is my hope that Congress continues to
support all veterans by providing them with adequate health care and
services. It is the least we can do for the Greatest Generation before
us.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and a personal friend of mine.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, although no resolution or parade will ever be
able to express our appreciation enough to our World War II veterans,
this resolution is indeed an honorable effort.
Mr. Speaker, the World War II era was a decisive time for our Nation
and the world. Sixteen million American
[[Page H2772]]
men and women served in uniform, and many more came together at home to
support the war effort. The men and women of the Greatest Generation,
along with our allies around the world, stood up and turned back
fascist tyranny and extremism in Japan.
The World War II memorial soon to be dedicated on the National Mall
in Washington, D.C. will be the culmination of many efforts. Its
dedication will provide us an opportunity to revisit the history and
sacrifices that our World War II veterans made, the civilian home-front
efforts, celebrate the American spirit and high ideals. I support this
resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall).
Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 409, a
resolution in recognition of the veterans of World War II and celebrate
the completion of the National World War II Memorial.
As one of the 12 Members of Congress who is a veteran of World War
II, I am proud and pleased that our Nation will be dedicating this
World War II memorial on May 29. The memorial is a beautiful and solemn
tribute to the 16 million men and women who served, the 400,000
Americans who died, and the millions who supported the war effort at
home.
Ours has been called the Greatest Generation, but in reality our
parents were the great ones because they survived two wars and a
depression, and understood the importance of work and sacrifice. They
instilled in the World War II generation a sense of duty that mobilized
our country into action and ultimate victory.
While we are engaged in wars overseas, it is fitting I think to pause
and remember the selfless sacrifice and the courage of the members of
the United States armed services. Like the men and women currently
serving, soldiers' valiant efforts in World War II helped secure the
freedoms we enjoy today and secured America's leadership throughout the
world.
This will be a monument not only for the World War II generation, but
also for our children and our grandchildren. I am hopeful that
Americans will visit this site for years to come and take time to honor
those throughout the ages who answered the call to duty. They did not
seek war, but rather yearned for peace and for liberty.
{time} 1745
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) who initiated this whole process.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio very much
for yielding time and am pleased to join with him, the gentleman from
Kansas (Mr. Moran) and all the other Members of this body who have
sponsored this wonderful resolution to officially now recognize the
contributions of the American people to the victory of liberty over
tyranny in World War II.
Of course, there will be major Memorial Day celebrations in our
country on May 29, indeed the entire week prior, and during that
weekend to especially commemorate this Memorial's dedication. I come to
the floor this evening to pay honor and tribute to the 16 million
Americans who literally bequeathed freedom to us, as well as to all
those who served on the home front. If you go down to the memorial
today, which has taken 17 years to complete, it is really very poignant
to talk to family members who are strolling through the plaza. I met a
family last week, a son pushing his father, a World War II veteran, in
a wheelchair. All the memories and all of the history come rushing at
us. This idea began in 1987 in a place called Jerusalem Township, in
the Trustees hall, at the Annual Lucas Township Trustees' fish fry when
a wonderful veteran by the name of Roger Durbin approached me.
Actually, he shouted at me across the room and said, ``Congresswoman
Kaptur, Why is there no World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. where
I can bring my grandchildren so they understand the reasons that we
fought and how the world was changed? From that moment until May 29,
now nearly two decades later, every effort was put forward to properly
represent the enormous contribution of the 20th century in bequeathing
freedom to the next generation.
This memorial will sit between the Washington Monument, representing
the founding of our Republic in the 18th century, and the Lincoln
Memorial, representing the preservation of the Union in the 19th. This
sits between them is a beautiful, reflective, peaceful expression,
including waterfalls and 4,000 stars, each representing 100 of those
who lost their lives for us and for the cause of freedom. As the
tourists have begun coming through, now they tell me at the rate of
5,000 per day, it will be one of the most visited memorials. It is also
the most important memorial in our nation's Capital representing the
20th century's most profound achievement. It is located where it
belongs, right there on our Mall of Democracy.
And so we prepare for these great patriotic celebrations. Our deepest
regret as we celebrate this moment is that so many of those who fought
and those who served on the homefront will not be there with us. I also
know that every single veteran or their family members who will come
here on May 29 will first think not of themselves but of their comrades
and their family members and their friends who are not here, and who
will not be able to be here.
I just want the American people to know that as we pass this
resolution today, I want to acknowledge the presence in our Chamber
today of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) and the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Smith), both involved in the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs from the very beginning of our service here. I want to
acknowledge Congressman Sonny Montgomery and Congressman Bob Stump. Bob
has passed. Sonny I know will be with us. Both were key chairs of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs when we passed the two key parts of
legislation that made this memorial possible. It took 10 Congresses to
get this job done, two decades to get this job done right. Other
members who helped in their capacities as committee chairs were Bill
Clay of Missouri who is retired, Henry Gonzalez of Texas who has
passed, and Esteban Torres of California, who assisted us on the bill
related to the coinage, that is, the minting of three coins that raised
the initial $7 million to help us begin the architectural and
engineering studies. Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Jack Brooks,
both war veterans themselves when we first introduced this legislation
back during the 1980s. And in the other body Senators John Glenn, now
retired, and Senator Strom Thurmond who has passed, and of course
Senators Bob Dole and John Warner.
All of these individuals were a part of those early years. Let me
mention also Congressman John Grotberg of Illinois, who preceded the
current Speaker in this institution, and was so important in helping us
bridge the partisan line here to expedite these bills' passage. To his
wife and to his family, I wish to assure that he is mentioned
respectfully in our proceedings here today.
I also wanted to mention to all veterans who may be listening, and to
their families, that as part of this memorial, in fact right adjacent
to it, there is going to be in perpetuity, run by our Department of
Interior, a veterans' legacy section where you can place the name of
your loved one, whether they served in battle or here on the home
front. So families can take that information and help record for
history of what their loved one did doing World War II. When you enter
the site, there is a facility being operated by the Department of
Interior with three computer terminals now where families of our
country can tell the whole story of America's participation.
This has taken a long time. But we look forward to the moment on May
29 when this entire Nation will say ``Our thank you to the most
unselfish generation in American history . . . a grateful Nation
remembers.''
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Evans).
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the gentlewoman
from Ohio for her work on this legislation. It was 20 years ago. We
were both freshmen. She has stuck with this issue and pounded away. I
am so proud of her
[[Page H2773]]
and what she represents. It really tells me what kind of job she is
doing as a Congresswoman. I thank the gentlewoman. Just so all the
veterans in our country know that she made it happen more than anybody
else.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. EVANS. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, let me just say that the gentleman from
Illinois is a combat veteran. I am not. I have many in my family who
have been, including those who served in World War II. I have the
highest respect for the gentleman from Illinois. If anyone represents
perseverance and honesty and integrity in this institution, it is he.
It is my privilege to serve with him.
Mr. EVANS. I thank the gentlewoman.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. I
would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) chairman
of the Committee on Resources, which also has jurisdiction, for
allowing this resolution to be considered on the floor in such a timely
fashion.
I include the following letter from the Committee on Resources as
part of the Record.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Resources,
Washington, DC, May 5, 2004.
Hon. Christopher H. Smith,
Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office
Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I understand that the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs wishes to schedule for rapid Floor
consideration H. Con. Res. 409, recognizing with humble
gratitude the more than 16,000,000 veterans who served in the
United States Armed Forces during World War II and the
Americans who supported the war effort on the home front and
celebrating the completion of the National World War II
Memorial on the National Mall in the District of Columbia.
This bill was referred primarily to your committee and
additionally to the Committee on Resources.
I have reviewed the legislation and have no objection to
its consideration. In fact, I have asked the author to add me
as a cosponsor before the bill is voted on by the House of
Representatives. Therefore, I have no objection to the
Committee on Resources being discharged from further
consideration of the bill. Of course, this action should not
be construed as waiving the Committee on Resources'
jurisdiction over the bill or as precedent for other bills.
In addition, if a conference on H. Con. Res. 409 should
become necessary, I ask that you support my request to have
the Committee on Resources be represented on the conference.
Finally, because no bill report will be prepared on the
legislation, I ask that you include this letter and any reply
in the Congressional Record during consideration of H. Con.
Res. 409.
I congratulate you and Mr. Moran for producing a timely and
thoughtful bill and I look forward to working with you again
on other matters of mutual interest.
Sincerely,
Richard W. Pombo,
Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds just to say
that as a Member of this body who arrived here at 29 years old, a
member of the generation or two to follow the greatest generation, I
would just like to thank all of the veterans who gave us this great
system that we have, where young men and young women from all over this
country can run for office and get voted on by their community to come
down here and represent their views. We have a tremendous system here
that was achieved by great sacrifice from those who came before us.
Again, I thank everyone who has brought forth this particular
resolution and the World War II Memorial that we will be celebrating
here in the next few weeks.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 409, which
recognizes the 16 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces
during World War II and the millions more who supported them at home.
As the dedication of the National World War II Memorial and the 60th
anniversary of D-Day approach, our country will rightfully be thinking
of those Americans who bravely gave or risked their lives to a great
cause.
I remain in awe of this generation, of men who accepted the call to
travel around the world to spend years fighting in the Asian and
Pacific theaters, and of women who kept the country running by assuming
jobs in factories, growing victory gardens, and serving overseas in the
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and other capacities.
It has been my good fortune to spend some time with veterans and
their families in my home district of western Wisconsin, and I always
enjoy hearing their stories of wartime. In fact, it was the experience
of listening to my uncle, a World War II veteran, that inspired me to
introduce legislation creating the Veterans Oral History Project.
Almost 4 years after becoming public law, the Veterans History Project
at the Library of Congress has collected 16,000 stories and is working
at a feverish pace to collect more everyday. This living legacy is
testament to the millions of Americans who sacrificed so much during
World War II.
Now, almost 60 years after the end of the war, a monument has at last
been built in our Nation's Capital that pays tribute to the generation
that fought and won World War II. The monument, set in the middle of
the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
will remind all visitors to the city that World War II was the defining
event of the 20th century and the seminal point for what is often and
aptly called ``the Greatest Generation.''
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 409 resolves that
Congress recognizes with humble gratitude the more than 16 million
veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War
II and the Americans who supported the war effort on the home front and
celebrates the completion of the National World War II Memorial on the
National Mall in the District of Columbia.
The National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in the
District of Columbia will be the first national memorial to both
recognize the courage, bravery, and unselfish dedication of the members
of the United States Armed Forces who served in World War II and those
who served on the home front and acknowledge the commitment and
achievement of the entire American people in that conflict. Many of my
family and friends that served in World War II suggested to me some
kind of a National World War II memorial. I join with my friend
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio who introduced legislation to
establish the memorial in the District of Columbia to honor members of
the Armed Forces who served in World War II and to commemorate the
participation of the United States in that war.
Congress authorized the American Battle Monuments Commission to
design and construct the memorial. The location selected as the site
for the memorial, the Rainbow Pool site on the National Mall at the
east end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the
Washington Monument, was dedicated on November 11, 1995. In an open
competition, the American Battle Monuments Commission selected
Friedrich St. Florian as the design architect for the memorial, and his
final architectural design was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts,
the National Capital Planning Commission, and the Secretary of the
Interior.
The late Representative Bob Stump of Arizona, who served as Chairman
of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives, sponsored several measures to
expedite the funding and construction of the memorial, which were
enacted. After 8 years of planning, 6 years of public deliberation, and
4 years of fund raising, construction began on the memorial in
September 2001.
The memorial would not have been possible without the efforts and
dedication of National Chairman Senator Robert J. Dole and National Co-
Chairman Frederick W. Smith, who were instrumental in raising over
$194,000,000 for the construction of the memorial. These generous
contributions came from hundreds of thousands of individual Americans,
as well as corporations, foundations, veterans groups, fraternal and
professional organizations, States, communities, and schools. Actor Tom
Hanks, the Advertising Council, and the History Channel played a key
role in increasing public awareness of the heroic achievements of
American World War II veterans and the war effort and in raising
support for the memorial. President George W. Bush will formally
dedicate the memorial on May 29, 2004.
The memorial will be a monument to the selfless sacrifice and
undaunted courage of the members of the United States Armed Forces who
served in World War II as well as a tribute to their families and most
Americans that joined in the war effort. It is a place of remembrance
to honor the more than 400,000 American servicemen and servicewomen who
died in that conflict defending the United States. The memorial will be
a source of inspiration for current and future generations of
Americans, giving visitors to the memorial a new appreciation for the
accomplishments of America's World War II generation, which united in
the quest to free the world from tyranny.
It is with great respect that I strongly support this resolution.
Smith Announces Veterans History Project
Washington, DC.--Congressman Nick Smith announced a special
initiative today,
[[Page H2774]]
encouraging citizens to participate in the Veterans History
Project, which is an effort by Congress and the Library of
Congress to collect audio- and video-taped interviews of
veterans, or civilians who served in support of the war
effort, along with other first-hand materials such as
photographs, diaries, and letters.
``As we approach Memorial Day, I would like to invite all
of my constituents to get involved in the Veterans History
Project,'' Smith said. ``I encourage families, friends,
historians, teachers, senior care workers, and students to
participate and volunteer to interview a veteran.''
On Monday, Congressman Smith sat down with James Cox, a
WWII veteran, to conduct an interview for the Veterans
History Project. Cox served with the famed 30th Infantry
Division. The 30th opened the way for General Patton's 3rd
Army to drive into Brittany and on to Brest, and was kept in
the forefront all the way into Belgium, Holland and Germany.
The interview is being aired on cable public service
channels. Congressman Smith will be interviewing someone from
each county in the 7th District to raise awareness about the
Veterans History Project.
``The Veterans History Project is important, not only to
preserve the experiences and memories of our nation's
veterans, but also to bring families and communities
together. Grandchildren should interview their grandparents,
students should interview community members, and veterans
should interview each other.''
The Veterans History Project was enacted in October of
2000. Oral histories and documents collected through this
project will be part of the national Veterans History Project
Collection at the Library of Congress.
Interview kits are available at Congressman Smith's office
in Battle Creek and Jackson. People who have questions about
the Veterans History Project should contact the Congressman's
office or go to the home page of Congressman Smith's Web site
at: www.house.gov/nicksmith, which has a link to the Veterans
History Project in the ``Quick Links'' section. Completed
interviews can then be sent to Congressman Smith's office
which will then be submitted to the Library of Congress.
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simmons). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
409.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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