[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4323-S4324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 114--RECOGNIZING THE LIBERTY MEMORIAL IN 
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, AS A NATIONAL WORLD WAR I SYMBOL HONORING THOSE 
  WHO DEFENDED LIBERTY AND OUR COUNTRY THROUGH SERVICE IN WORLD WAR I

  Mr. BOND (for himself, Mr. Ashcroft, and Mr. Roberts) submitted the 
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
Environment and Public Works:

                            S. Con. Res. 114

       Whereas over 4 million Americans served in World War I, 
     however, there is no nationally recognized symbol honoring 
     the service of such Americans;
       Whereas in 1919, citizens of Kansas City expressed an 
     outpouring of support, raising over $2,000,000 in 2 weeks, 
     which was a fundraising accomplishment unparalleled by any 
     other city in the United States irrespective of population;
       Whereas on November 1, 1921, the monument site was 
     dedicated marking the only time in history that the 5 Allied 
     military leaders (Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of 
     Belgium, General Armando Diaz of Italy, Marshal Ferdinand 
     Foch of France, General John J. Pershing of the United 
     States, and Admiral Lord Earl Beatty of Great Britain) were 
     together at one place;
       Whereas during a solemn ceremony on Armistice Day in 1924, 
     President Calvin Coolidge marked the beginning of a 3-year 
     construction project by the laying of the corner-stone of the 
     Liberty Memorial;
       Whereas the 217-foot Memorial Tower topped with 4 stone 
     ``Guardian Spirits'' representing courage, honor, patriotism, 
     and sacrifice, rises above the observation deck, making the 
     Liberty Memorial a noble tribute to all who served;
       Whereas during a rededication of the Liberty Memorial in 
     1961, former Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. 
     Eisenhower recognized the memorial as a constant reminder of 
     the sacrifices during World War I and the progress that 
     followed;
       Whereas the Liberty Memorial is the only public museum in 
     the United States specifically dedicated to the history of 
     World War I; and
       Whereas the Liberty Memorial is internationally known as a 
     major center of World War I remembrance: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, 
     Missouri, is recognized as a national World War I symbol, 
     honoring those who defended liberty and our country through 
     service in World War I.
 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, today I come to the floor to submit a 
resolution recognizing the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri as 
a national World War I symbol. I am pleased that Senator Ashcroft and 
Senator Roberts are joining me as original cosponsors.
  Fighting in the trenches in Europe, America's sons and daughters 
defended liberty and our country through service in World War One. We 
want to ensure that the sacrifices they made are

[[Page S4324]]

not forgotten. The Liberty Memorial serves as a long-standing tribute 
to their accomplishments.
  More than 4 million Americans served in World War One, however, the 
Liberty Memorial is the only major memorial and museum honoring their 
courage and loyalty. It is important to me that these men and women 
have an appropriate national symbol; they deserve to be recognized and 
honored. The Liberty Memorial serves as a constant reminder of the 
patriotism and sacrifice that the War evoked, both to the people of 
Kansas City, and across the country.
  In 1919, Kansas Citians expressed an unprecedented outpouring of 
support, raising $2.5 million in less than two weeks. Three years later 
the five Allied military leaders met in Kansas City, marking the only 
time in history all five leaders came togther at one place. The leaders 
from Belgium, Italy, France, Great Brittan and the United States looked 
on, as the site for the Liberty Memorial was dedicated. Since that 
historic occasion, many other great world leaders have addressed the 
public at the Liberty Memorial including: Presidents Calvin Coolidge, 
Harry S Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and William Howard Taft.
  The Liberty Memorial opened to the public in 1926. It is an amazing 
structure; the impressive size and design puts it in a class with 
monuments here on the National Mall. The Memorial Tower is 217-feet-
tall. The four Guardian Spirits: Honor, Courage, Patriotism, and 
Sacrifice, encircle the top of the tower. This is a great, 
inspirational work of art that serves as an outstanding tribute to 
America's sons and daughters of World War I.
  In addition to the Memorial Tower, there is a Liberty Memorial Museum 
located within the complex. This museum promotes and encourages a 
better understanding of the sacrifices and progress made during World 
War I. While the Memorial undergoes a major renovation project, the 
museum is currently closed to the public. Upon its reopening, visitors 
from around the world can come to Kansas City to view the finest 
collection of World War I memorabilia in the United States. These 
fascinating displays are arranged to give visitors insight into 
America's role in the First World War.
  The Memorial's history, consistent local support and its location in 
the Heart of America, makes the Liberty Memorial an ideal national 
tribute to all Americans who fought in World War One. I am proud to 
have such a distinguished Memorial in my home state of Missouri.
  Mr. President, I urge the Senate to pass this resolution in a timely 
fashion so that we can properly honor the veterans of World War One 
with a national monument, and recognize the significance of the Liberty 
Memorial.

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