World War II Memorial Salutes "Greatest Generation"

Nearly six decades after the end of World War II, the 'defining moment' of the 20th century has been memorialized in granite and bronze on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The World War II Memorial pays tribute to the honor, courage and sacrifice of the 16 million Americans who responded to the call of duty. And for those who supported the war effort stateside, it will evoke memories of an era of national mobilization that drew women into the plants and factories, drew a nation together and drew families around the radio for war news during FDR's 'Fireside Chats.'

Situated prominently between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the first national memorial dedicated to the 'Greatest Generation' preserves the treasured wide-open vistas of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Roughly the size of a football field, the memorial uses classical architecture to symbolize the great moral victory of the 20th century. Flanked by two 43-foot arches, which stand for the Atlantic and Pacific war theaters, curving arcs of 56 granite pillars represent the U.S. states and territories that sent soldiers off to the war. Two dozen bronze sculptures will represent America's human, agricultural, military and industrial strength.

Perhaps the most emotional feature for the veterans who come to reflect and remember is the 84-feet-wide Freedom Wall. Adorned with 4,000 hand-sculpted gold stars, the wall commemorates the 400,000 Americans who gave their lives defending freedom.

The sprawling 7.4-acre memorial includes waterfalls and fountains to welcome veterans and younger generations to reminisce and remember. The sunken plaza will invite millions of visitors every year to reflect upon the ideals for which our veterans so bravely and selflessly fought to defend. Through their courage and sacrifice, the world said no to tyranny. Freedom triumphed over fear. Risking life and limb, our veterans fought valiantly to defend our way of life and preserve the ideals of self-government, liberty and justice for all.

And afterwards, these heroes of war returned to become their hometown heroes. Post-World War II ushered in an age of prosperity as well as the baby boom. The victory by America and its allies also established the United States as a leader of the Free World. For the rest of the century, the United States expanded its economic, social and cultural influence around the world.

On May 29, as many as 800,000 visitors are expected to attend the formal dedication of the World War II Memorial and a four-day reunion for the war's veterans. Barbara and I are hosting a reception for Iowans coming out for the Memorial Day Weekend celebrations in Washington, D.C. Iowans are invited to attend on Friday, May 28, 1-3 p.m., room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The U.S. Postal Service also will unveil a 37-cent postage stamp to coincide with the memorial's dedication to honor the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II.

What's more, the nation's capital will host a summer-long series of events in their honor. Millions of visitors are anticipated to attend exhibits and performances that will evoke images, sounds and memories of the era.

War veterans and their families may reminisce about Big Band and swing dancing, 'Rosie the Riveter' and 'government girls' who went to work for the war effort, rationing, 'victory gardens,' salvaging tin cans, Norman Rockwell's 'Freedom Paintings,' the music by Irving Berlin and Bob Hope, the quintessential morale booster to the troops.

The 'Greatest Generation' deserves recognition and the gratitude of a nation blessed by those willing to give the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. It was an era rich in patriotism that pulled the nation together and strengthened America.

At the dawn of the 21st century, America's values are once again under fire. This time, the offenders targeted innocent lives on U.S. soil. And once again, our men and women in uniform are responding to the call of duty. Like the generations of veterans who served before them, today's defenders of freedom follow in their footsteps to preserve our way of life and liberate the oppressed.

This time they march against tyranny and terrorism in the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. The War on Terrorism again pits the forces of good against evil.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1,000 World War II veterans die every day. Just one-quarter of those who served are alive. Most surviving veterans are in their 80's. Although nearing the end of life's journey on Earth, the contributions of the 'Greatest Generation' won't be forgotten.

The national World War II Memorial will allow us to remember and pay tribute to their heroism and sacrifice. It will demonstrate to younger generations a respect for our national heritage and encourage them to commit themselves to the values and principles for which America's uniformed heroes have lost life and limb.