World War II Memorial
It's been a long time coming - nearly 59 years - but, finally, the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are getting their national memorial.
The National World War II Memorial, situated between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial on the mall in Washington, will be dedicated Saturday.
A ceremony, reunion, salute and memorial service for America's "greatest generation" will take place all weekend long in the nation's capital.
The four-day "Tribute to a Generation" kicks off today and runs through Sunday. The main event - the memorial dedication ceremony - begins at 2 p.m. Saturday. Gates open at 8 a.m., and tickets are required for seating. (For information on nonticketed viewing areas, visit www.WWIIMemorial.com.)
At noon, visitors can hear music by armed forces bands, watch videos and newsreel clips and learn the history of the memorial. The U.S. Postal Service will offer a National World War II Memorial stamp on site and at all post offices Saturday.
At the dedication, President Bush will receive the memorial on the nation's behalf. Other dignitaries, including former Sen. Bob Dole, chairman of the National World War II Memorial, will participate in the ceremony.
Today through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., a World War II reunion will take place on the mall. The Smithsonian Institution and the American Battle Monuments Commission are sponsoring the event, which has a gathering place for World War II servicemen and servicewomen, live big-band and swing music, a "Wartime Stories Tent," a "Veterans History Project Tent," information on preserving memories, details on the planning and building of the memorial, representatives from veterans' organizations, a military-equipment display and hands-on children's activities related to the World War II period.
At the MCI Center, members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard will present a musical and narrative "Salute to World War II Veterans" at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. tomorrow and at 7 p.m. Saturday.
And an interfaith memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Washington National Cathedral. Military and civilian clergy will participate. Seating is limited.
For ticket information, call 800-297-1421. For general information, including travel, parking and directions, call 800-639-4WW2. For wheelchair-accessibility questions, call 800-340-9737. For further information, visit www.WWII Memorial.com.
