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WWII Memorial Dedication May 29
Tribute to a
Generation: National World War II Reunion On the Mall in Washington
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Click photo for larger view
Jefferson Memorial in background |
April 30, 2004 - Nearly
six decades after the end of World War II, the nation is paying tribute
to what’s been called “the greatest generation.” “Tribute to a
Generation: National World War II Reunion,” an outdoor event on the
National Mall, will take place between 3rd and 7th streets, in tented
pavilions and stages, from Thursday, May 27 through Sunday, May 30. The
event coincides with the formal dedication of the National World War II
Memorial on Saturday, May 29.
The World War II Reunion
is organized by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural
Heritage, in partnership with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The National World War
II Reunion will be a gathering place where the World War II generation
will reunite, reminisce and share memories from the war.
Presentations and
concerts will honor the experiences and sacrifices of Americans on the
battlefields and on the home front. Among the invited participants are
D-Day veterans, Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo code talkers and “Rosie the
Riveter” war workers, along with former senator and leader of the World
War II Memorial effort Bob Dole; pilot and former Sen. George McGovern;
Jean Hay, who hosted the radio show “Reveille with Beverly;” former Sen.
Alan Simpson; Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta; author Tony
Hillerman; and actors Ossie Davis, Jack Palance and Ernest Borgnine.
The center of the
“Tribute to a Generation” event will be Reunion Hall. “This pavilion
will provide an area for veterans to gather and reconnect with their
former service colleagues,” says Reunion curator Jim Deutsch. Veterans
will be able to locate the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine or Coast Guard
division or fleet they served in by identifying the name and insignia of
the unit. At each specified area there will be space for people to meet
or leave messages. There will also be sections for members of home-front
organizations.
Visitors will listen to
the music of the World War II era at the Homecoming and Capitol Canteen
stages. Reunion guests will hear a mix of military bands, dance and big
bands— including the Artie Shaw Orchestra—along with groups that have
roots in the World War II era, such as Western swing and jazz. The Ink
Spots, whose hits include “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire,” “My
Prayer” and “I’ll Never Smile Again,” will perform on opening day.
Veterans and war workers
will be interviewed in the Wartime Stories pavilion not only about their
personal experiences, but also about what World War II has meant to
members of their generation. There will be 17 programs, covering a wide
range of experiences—military, civilian, overseas, home front and more.
In the Family Activities
area, children may pick up their “Marching Orders.” From deciphering a
message using a code and key to seeing which items were rationed and
why, and from learning how to spot a vintage aircraft from its
silhouette and discovering why victory gardens were grown, younger
visitors will learn what is was like being a kid during World War II.
The Veterans History
Project at the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress will
also present speakers and exhibits that showcase first-hand accounts
collected from men and women—civilian and military—who served during the
war. During the Reunion, the Veterans History Project staff will offer
free workshops on how to write, record, audiotape and preserve personal
histories.
At the Preserving
Memories pavilion, experts from the National Park Service, Library of
Congress and the Smithsonian will advise veterans and their families on
how best to save everything from letters and diaries to medals and
uniforms.
Other pavilions will
provide information about veterans’ services and benefits, and offer
information and exhibits about the building of the National World War II
Memorial. Sessions at this pavilion will include discussions with
architect Friedrich St. Florian, sculptor Ray Kaskey, stone carver Nick
Benson and many others who were involved in designing and building the
National World War II Memorial.
Throughout the Reunion
there will be displays of World War II military artifacts and equipment.
Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. This event does not require
tickets; admission is free. Services for disabled visitors, food,
recordings, books and other items will be available. For more
information, visit
www.folklife.si.edu .and
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
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