The American Legion Washington, DC I'm Ray Smith, national commander of The American Legion.
I stand today with the representatives of other veterans organizations in support of building the National World War II Memorial at the Rainbow Pool site on The Mall.
While a group that is opposed to building the memorial on The Mall GOES TO COURT, we, as leaders of veterans organizations, felt it was important to demonstrate our solidarity.
If everything goes as planned, this memorial will have taken more than twice as long to create as it took U.S. and allied forces to win the Second World War.
The process for approval encompassed 18 public hearings; that's five years worth of scrutiny and debate ... designs and re-designs ... since Congress passed the law starting the process in 1993.
This fair, open and lengthy process leads to two indisputable conclusions: The American people want this memorial built ... and the Rainbow Pool site is the most fitting place for it.
Not counting some federal funding, the American people, including our organizations, have donated about 130-million dollars to build this memorial.
The success of the fund-raising alone indicates the American people want this memorial built - as proposed - on The Mall. We trust the courts will let the will of the people stand.
The World War II Memorial will occupy a special parcel of American soil because the World War II generation occupies a special place in American history.
The World War II Memorial will be grand because the scope of the World War II generation's sacrifice is proportionately magnificent.
The World War II Memorial will be a salient reminder of the price of freedom. For it will memorialize men and women -- of all backgrounds – who answered Uncle Sam's call during freedom's most precarious hour in the 20th century.
The American people don't mind designating space on The Mall's central axis for the World War II Memorial. This memorial will whisper poignantly of the bloodshed and loss that preserved that which The Mall represents - the establishment and endurance of American democracy.
America owes the World War II generation a debt of gratitude greater than any amount of money. America owes the World War II generation a cherished place in her national memory. We must tell future generations what it takes to preserve democracy in the face of enemies hell-bent on democracy's destruction. The placement of Mr. St. Florian's design AT ITS APPROVED AND DEDICATED SITE on The Mall.
Please allow me to recognize veterans whose organizations stand with The American Legion in preserving the World War II Memorial...
John Gwizdak [GWEEZ dack] - National Commander and Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
David Gorman -- Executive Director of the Disabled American Veterans
Peter Gaytan -- National Legislative Director of AMVETS
Dick Schneider -- National Director of State and Veterans Affairs for the Non-Commissioned Officers Association
Foes of WWII Memorial File Suit
By Carl Hartman Associated Press Writer Monday, Oct. 2, 2000; 3:23 p.m. EDT
WASHINGTON -- Opponents of placing a World War II memorial on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial asked a federal court Monday to block construction, arguing that government officials had not complied with the law.
Groundbreaking has been set for Veterans' Day, Nov. 11.
"Our choice would be a site 125 feet to the north," said John Graves of the 63rd Division Association, chairman of Veterans to Save the Mall. That position would remove the memorial from the sight line between the two existing monuments.
Opponents say the site now planned is on the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial.
"The American people don't mind designating space on the Mall's central axis for the World War II memorial," Ray Smith, national commander of the American Legion, told a news conference soon after the suit was filed.
"This memorial will whisper poignantly of the bloodshed and loss that preserved that which the Mall represents - the establishment and endurance of American democracy," said Smith.
Judy Scott Feldman, co-chair of the National Coalition to Save Our Mall, said the suit involves more than an alleged violation of the law.
"Above all," she said, "it is a subversion of the open and public process, the public's legitimate and legal right to know and be included in decisions affecting our public lands. if the National Mall is not protected by these laws, then no historic resource is."
Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veterans' groups joined in supporting the new site.
Andrea C. Ferster, lawyer for the opponents, said the complaint and a request for an injunction were filed at the Federal District Court of the District of Columbia. Named in the suit were Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, Director Robert Stanton of the National Park Service and other officials who have approved the site.
"The defendants have violated their congressionally mandated responsibilities," the complaint said.
Ferster said the next step would be to ask federal authorities when they intend to start construction, which she expected to be next spring. When work is about to begin, she said, the court will be asked to issue an order to stop it. A ceremonial groundbreaking, such as the one scheduled for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, would not count, she said.
Judy Scott Feldman, co-chair of the National Coalition to Save Our Mall, said the suit involves more than an alleged violation of the law.
"Above all," she said, "it is a subversion of the open and public process, the public's legitimate and legal right to know and be included in decisions affecting our public lands. if the National Mall is not protected by these laws, then no historic resource is."
For information on veterans benefits call the V.A. toll free 1-800-827-1000. Comments and ideas for columns may be sent to Veterans Corner; P.O. Box 202; East Berlin, Ct. 06023. If reply requested please send self addressed stamped business envelope.