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National WWII Memorial: A Message of Freedom
Commentary by Senator Bob Dole
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After eight years of planning, six years of public debate, and four years of fund raising, construction of the National World War II Memorial began in September 2001.
Others have written eloquently about the appropriateness
of the memorial's Rainbow Pool site, the architectural and environmental merits of Friedrich St.Florian's design,
and the artistic achievement of sculptor Ray Kaskey. Some continue to object to the site and design. Such is the nature
of memorial building. The tributes to Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, and our Korean War and Vietnam War veterans
stirred similar passion, suffering criticism or protest during development. Yet who today can imagine the historic fabric
of the Mall without those important landmarks?
When completed, the National World War II Memorial will be a welcomed addition to that tapestry, weaving the watershed
event of the 20th century into the Mall's historical narrative. The memorial is destined to become one of Washington's great
public gathering places. Many deserve thanks for making this memorial possible.
More than $195 million in cash and pledges has been received for the memorial. Donations came from corporations, foundations,
veterans groups, fraternal and professional organizations, states, communities, schools, and hundreds of thousands of individuals
in what became a Campaign across America.
The unwavering support of the House and Senate was instrumental in reaching this milestone, from the authorizing legislation in
1993 to legislation that cleared away barriers preventing construction.
Tom Hanks, The Advertising Council, and The History Channel generated an awareness that extended beyond the memorial into
the classrooms of the nation, where students showed renewed interest in World War II and the personal experiences of those who
participated in the war effort.
During design development, the stewardship and constructive criticism of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the
Commission of Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission and the National Park Service created a better memorial.
As a project like this works its way through myriad and seemingly endless channels toward completion, we sometimes lose sight
of why we make the effort. Why build this memorial?
When World War II ended, the generation of Americans that defeated the forces of tyranny neither asked for nor expected a
memorial. They came home. They went to work. And they built a nation that remains the world's most powerful example of democracy
and freedom in action.
Many heroes from that great conflict did not return home. They didn't live to see the fruits of their sacrifice. More than
12 million of the 16 million who served in uniform will not live to see the memorial completed. We build this memorial in their
memory. We build it so future generations of Americans never forget what the World War II generation was called to do. We build
it so they never forget the cost of freedom.
There will come a day when many of our youth will be called veterans. Although our prayers ask for peace, the lessons of history
teach us that freedom is not free. It must be earned and it must be protected from those who would conquer and oppress.
The World War II Memorial will reinforce the message of our National Mall -- the message of freedom -- for generations to come.
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