MrRant 0 Report post Posted May 29, 2004 WASHINGTON - America dedicated a memorial Saturday to the fast-thinning ranks of World War II veterans, a poignant last hurrah drawing together tens of thousands of old soldiers, sailors and heroes of the home front. Frail now, full of spunk then, they were thanked for service that "helped save the world." The National Mall, where huge numbers usually gather in protest, instead offered a last-of-a-lifetime scene of commemoration as veterans assembled by the sweeping monument of granite and bronze that was more than a decade in the planning. "We have kept faith with our comrades from a distant youth," said former Sen. Bob Dole, a driving force for the memorial. An Army lieutenant in the war, Dole lost the use of his right arm when a shell hit him while he served in Italy. "What we dedicate today is not a memorial to war. Rather it is a tribute to the physical and moral courage that makes heroes out of farm and city boys, that inspires Americans of every generation to lay down their lives for people they'll never meet," Dole told a crowd estimated at 140,000 by police. Many veterans gripped canes. Others sat in wheelchairs. The hardiest among them grabbed their wives and danced in the aisles when 1940s swing music wafted over the crowd. Young people came up to old people and said thanks. "I figured this would be the last time to wear a uniform," said William E. Ryan, 80, a retired colonel from Fairfax, Va., who fought in France and Germany with the Army's 3rd Infantry. He was in full-dress whites, a Purple Heart among his chest decorations. Covering seven landscaped acres, the World War II Memorial was built with a sense of urgency once Washington resolved to go ahead with it. Veterans are in their late 70s and in their 80s. Of the 16 million who served, only about 4 million are still alive and veterans from that war are dying at a rate of 1,056 a day. "These were the modest sons of a peaceful country," said President Bush (news - web sites). "They gave the best years of their lives to the greatest mission their country ever accepted." Many veterans lamented that the nation's tribute came too late for their comrades. "I wish they would have done it much sooner because there's a lot of people from that generation who are gone," said Don LaFond, 81, a Marine Corps veteran from Marina del Rey, Calif. Dole, 80, called the gathering "our final reunion." Cool temperatures and bright sunshine greeted the dedication, a relief to emergency crews prepared for large numbers of medical problems. Authorities said they treated about 70 people, mostly for minor conditions such as mild dehydration, scrapes and twisted ankles, and 16 were taken to hospital. Former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton (news - web sites), sitting next to each other on the stage, jumped up to help a Medal of Honor winner who fell from his wheelchair near them; the man stayed for the rest of the event after a medic checked him. At a morning service at Washington National Cathedral, a few miles north of the Mall, dignitaries spoke of celebration and thanksgiving. The elder Bush, a Navy pilot shot down over the South Pacific in 1944, said the World War II generation was remarkable for the challenges it faced, but Americans today, as in any point of history, can rise to the same level of commitment. "These were average men and women who lived in extraordinary times," said Bush, who turns 80 on June 12. Singling out the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944, he paid tribute to the millions of fighters who "helped save the world." Among them: Clarence Larson, 83, a survivor of the Bataan Death March who spent more than three years in captivity. He came to Washington with his daughter from Fergus Falls., Minn. "I thank the good Lord that I made it and that I'm here today," said the Air Force veteran. He recalled his release the last day of the war, when the Japanese camp commander "came out and said, 'The American forces have defeated Japan. There will be no work today.'" Coast Guardsman Wilbert Huebner, 84, of Readlyn, Iowa, spent two years on the destroyer USS Lansing, sailing off North Africa and Europe. "So many are gone and for those of us who are still alive, some can no longer travel because they have medical problems," he said. Raymond Veley, 80, of Marysville, Ohio, fought in Italy with the Army and spent 17 months as a POW. Running into other ex-prisoners in Washington was a powerful experience, he said, because "we all know what the other one went through." The Veterans Affairs Department deployed several dozen counselors to help people deal with the emotions of the day. Counselor Arto Woods talked with a distraught veteran who sat by a tree after telling his war story to others in a tent. "He just needed someone to talk with," Woods said. "He was thinking, why did he survive compared with others he knew in his unit?" President Bush and his Democratic presidential opponent, Vietnam veteran John Kerry (news - web sites), used their weekly radio addresses hours before the ceremony to praise the service of those honored. Kerry said of World War II veterans: "Because of them, liberty did not perish from this Earth. When the future hung in the balance, they stood on the edge of tyranny and devastation and risked their lives for a future and a hope bigger than themselves." The president, born a year after the war ended, concluded his speech on the Mall by asking "every man and woman who saw and lived World War II, every member of that generation, to please rise as you are able and receive the thanks of our great nation." They rose slowly, as they were able, some in tears, American flags in their hand or tucked into camera straps. The idea for the memorial came nearly two decades ago, but it was only in 1993 that Congress authorized construction. Critics complained its large-scale design would spoil the vistas long enjoyed by visitors to the Mall. Courts eventually rejected the challenge. The memorial features 56 granite pillars, each 17 feet high and representing the states, territories of that time and the District of Columbia, and two arches more than twice that height — Atlantic and Pacific — symbolizing the two theaters of the war. A wall with 4,000 sculpted gold stars commemorates the more than 400,000 Americans killed. Freedom Wall WWII Memorial view from Washington Monument General Eisenhower's D-Day quote engraved in the Memorial granite State Pillars at Night More pics - http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?pa...&subpage=photos If anyone needs a memorial it's the WWII veterans. 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Highland 0 Report post Posted May 29, 2004 It's about time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brian Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Same day my gramps kicked it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 I'm glad that World War II got its memorial after all these years. I'd say it was 30 years overdue...ridiculous that Vietnam got its little wall put up before anything was ever done for The Greatest Generation. But what they've done is fantastic, and I'd love to see it if I ever get a chance to visit our nation's capital. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Styles 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Beautiful, I might be visiting it soon. I was watching some of the ceremony on TV and the shots of Clinton, Bush Sr. and Bush joking around and being all chummy with each other was pretty cool and shows how some things transcend partisanship. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tommytomlin 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 I never knew America never had a WW2 memorial before? I am shocked. It's not like it was a Vietnam-type war which split the nation, this was a truly noble effort that nobody in their right mind could say wasn't justified. I say give the remaining veterans a few thousand bucks and a nice place in Florida or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Highland 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 It would be alot more generous than our own government, which forced our veterans to pay their own way to a remberance ceremony in France a few weeks ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OctoberBlood Report post Posted May 30, 2004 That looks wonderful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 When I was there in 2002 they were just starting to get into the real nitty-gritty of building it. Now I need to go back and see it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crazy Dan Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Yeah I am happy they finally got their due. I wonder what took so long?? And it is funny how Vietnam got the Memorial before WWII vets, but maybe it has something to do with the way the Vets of Vietnam were treated upon their return. (Unlike in todays world, people might not support the war, but will support the Troops. Also, these men were hailed as heroes, unlike the Vets of Vietnam. Well Kerry will glady tell you he is a war hero, but I digress). But I really don't know the full politics on why the delay in honoring these men, so any insight would be gladly appreciated. But for now, let us celebrate something that has long been past due, and tip our hats to the men who fought in one of the most important wars in the USA's young history. (well in the 20th Century of course) And judging by the pictures posted, it is a very nice tribute, a little late, but better late than never. Man, that generation faced so many hurdles... and a little appreciation for their sacrafices is great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Firestarter 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Visited it again today. It's nice, but it should have been better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crazy Dan Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Maybe Marney, you should lead the cause to get a make over for the Memorial. Come on, I know you are up to it. I would, but I am too lasy, and I live in Cali, and I am unemployed, so I can't afford the airfare. And plus, I hate politics. Serious, do you live in Wash DC??? or was this purely a visit while on vacation. And is it nicer than the Vietnam Memorial? I have not seen either in my lifetime, and I was curious to know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Cerebus Report post Posted May 30, 2004 I agree with Krauthammer on this one. I havn't visited the memorial (I lived in DC, I know how bad traffic is on Memorial Day weekend) but I've seen pictures on television and in magazines and I"m not too impressed. I'll visit it, of course, but I'll spend more time at the Korea and Vietnam War memorials. Sad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Like Medicare and Social Security weren't enough of a tribute to these old, greedy bastards. Seriously though, props to that generation -- they did things I would not be able to stomach in my dreams... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Firestarter 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Serious, do you live in Wash DC??? Arlington VA, 5 minutes out of DC. And is it nicer than the Vietnam Memorial? No. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Highland 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Visited it again today. It's nice, but it should have been better. Even a WWII memorial isn't immune to politics in Washington, huh? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hogan Made Wrestling 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Visited it again today. It's nice, but it should have been better. Even a WWII memorial isn't immune to politics in Washington, huh? I read that column, and I don't really see how it politicized anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Firestarter 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2004 Nor do I. The only truly bipartisan quality is incompetence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest SideFXs Report post Posted May 31, 2004 I'm glad that World War II got its memorial after all these years. I'd say it was 30 years overdue...ridiculous that Vietnam got its little wall put up before anything was ever done for The Greatest Generation. That's because the 'Greatest Generation' never complained! I am not speaking specifically of the men/women who served. I refer to the Hippie generation. The location of the WWII memorial, the National Mall, shows how important this memorial is. I think over time, it will be accepted by all. Besides it is a memorial, and not a G-Damned new Trump tower or Vegas casino! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2004 Nor do I. The only truly bipartisan quality is incompetence. There's the truth right there. Yeah when I watched the dedication on C-SPAN, I was awestruck and all, but when Krauthammer broke it down, I realized that it could have, in fact, been better. Something to represent the unity across socioeconomic lines, as Mr. Krauthammer mentioned. I raised an eyebrow at the 4,000 gold stars for 400,000 people the firs time around, but the other details didn't make me stop to think until just now. I will say that something HAD to be built and it should've been built on the National Mall. While he does bring up a valid point about it being too big or not big enough, I can't let myself say "we shouldn't build a World War II monument." There's no alternative to what they built that I personally have in mind, but I'm no architect or artist. I like the concept of the two theaters of war, but I'm not sure about the stars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2004 That's because the 'Greatest Generation' never complained! I am not speaking specifically of the men/women who served. I refer to the Hippie generation. FWIW, the "greatest generation" held a lot of resentment towards their kids for not having to grow up in the middle of hell like they did (depression, WWII, etc) which is part of the reason the whole hippie thing got started in the first place. I haven't been paying attention to the memorial media blitz, but I looked at it and it looks pretty. Making something greater wouldn't have been bad, though, and would put more Americans to work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kahran Ramsus 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2004 I like our's better, but it is nice that you are finally recognizing them. Do you have a World War I memorial yet? Or do you need one of those too? In Canada, it is the First World War that gets greater remembrance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MikeSC Report post Posted May 31, 2004 That's because the 'Greatest Generation' never complained! I am not speaking specifically of the men/women who served. I refer to the Hippie generation. FWIW, the "greatest generation" held a lot of resentment towards their kids for not having to grow up in the middle of hell like they did (depression, WWII, etc) which is part of the reason the whole hippie thing got started in the first place. I haven't been paying attention to the memorial media blitz, but I looked at it and it looks pretty. Making something greater wouldn't have been bad, though, and would put more Americans to work. Actually, they overcompensated and gave their kids everything because they had to grow up with nothing. Sadly, the hippies never learned the whole concept of sacrifice. But, you know what's real ironic about the hippes? You know who never seemed to be part of the hippie movement? People WITHOUT fairly wealthy families. Funny how that works. -=Mike ...And that hippie crap spawned unmitigated crap like Phish, so it's already a crime against humanity... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2004 Actually, they overcompensated and gave their kids everything because they had to grow up with nothing. Well, considering that I don't think either of us were really there, and that's the first I've heard of anything like that, I think I'll go with the common synopsis. I should mention that my parents weren't hippies, although neither of them hold a hard-on for the era before, either. ...And that hippie crap spawned unmitigated crap like Phish, so it's already a crime against humanity... Well, I'll agree with that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brian Report post Posted May 31, 2004 Poor people went and tried to make changes. They were at the forefront of the Panthers and SNCC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MikeSC Report post Posted May 31, 2004 Poor people went and tried to make changes. They were at the forefront of the Panthers and SNCC. I actually challenge that. The major hippies tended to be from upper-class families. -=Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2004 I went today, and I actually thought it was very nice. But whatever, bitch away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2004 I agree with Krauthammer on this one. I havn't visited the memorial (I lived in DC, I know how bad traffic is on Memorial Day weekend) but I've seen pictures on television and in magazines and I"m not too impressed. I'll visit it, of course, but I'll spend more time at the Korea and Vietnam War memorials. Sad. It seems like too much. Not that it isn't long overdue. It's just these individuals don't like the fan fare and being called heroes. Just seems like something more simple, would of been more fitting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted June 1, 2004 But, you know what's real ironic about the hippes? You know who never seemed to be part of the hippie movement? People WITHOUT fairly wealthy families. My folks weren't. They weren't hippy "major players" or anything, but show me a major anybody who's poor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MikeSC Report post Posted June 1, 2004 But, you know what's real ironic about the hippes? You know who never seemed to be part of the hippie movement? People WITHOUT fairly wealthy families. My folks weren't. They weren't hippy "major players" or anything, but show me a major anybody who's poor. That the entire group is about "the people" and the like --- it being consisted so fervently of rich people is kinda ironic. -=Mike ...Amazing how much they sold out their own "principles" over the years Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
