Memorial Day 2004
A new memorial honors the World War II generation.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

When it came to selecting a topic for this month’s column, it was a no-brainer. Since 1868, Americans have celebrated Memorial Day to honor those who fought and died to preserve our freedom. We set aside this single day to consider the sacrifices made by so many brave patriots. It also is a day to salute the men and women of today’s armed forces, now at war against terrorism and defending our families at home.

When we think of May, we also think of changing seasons. In fact, Anglo-Saxons considered May Day the first day of summer, the end of harsh winter—a time of new life and growth for Mother Earth. In the nation’s capitol, we see this rebirth around the National Mall as May flowers emerge to greet visitors to our national monuments.

This year another blossom arises from the Mall’s fertile soil. It will fully unfurl May 29, Memorial Day weekend. On that day, nearly 59 years after the end of World War II, the National World War II Memorial will be dedicated. This celebration completes an 11-year effort to honor America’s World War II generation.

According to the American Battle Monuments Commission, this is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II. It will honor the 16 million who served, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. According to the commission, the memorial “... will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy.”

Because the memorial is such an important and long-overdue recognition of a remarkable generation, MOAA has supported and contributed to it. (The project is funded primarily by private contributions.) This magazine has covered the progress of the memorial from the initial plans, through its groundbreaking, to the final dedication. Look for coverage of the ceremony in future issues.

A report by American Forces Press Service at the memorial’s groundbreaking ceremony, Nov. 14, 2001, captured the issue: “We’re a lot like the season,” said Andy Glover, a veteran from Harrisburg, Pa., as he watched the gusting wind knock leaves out of the trees near the site. “We’re like the leaves in that there’s more of us falling each day. I’m glad I’m here to see this.”

We hope you embrace this spring month of 2004. Savor the season’s change and nature’s rebirth. Take this Memorial Day to salute military men and women who served, sacrificed, and still serve today. And the next time you’re on the nation’s Mall, visit the World War II Memorial to pay your respects to America’s “greatest generation.”