[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




FORMER SENATOR BOB DOLE SPEAKS FOR WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON, 
                                  D.C.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, this morning the Subcommittee on National 
Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations of the 
Committee on Government Reform held a hearing under the very able 
leadership of my dear friend and our distinguished colleague, the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), which examined the status of 
the World War II Memorial to be built here in our nation's capital.
  The lead witness at this morning's hearing, Mr. Speaker, was the 
distinguished former Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the 
former Senator from Kansas Bob Dole. Senator Dole is a veteran of World 
War II and the Chair of the National World War II Memorial Campaign.
  Mr. Speaker, Senator Dole has selflessly served our nation for over 
half a century. He was seriously wounded in Italy during the final 
weeks of World War II. After four hard years of determined effort, he 
was able to return to a useful and productive life in his native Kansas 
where he served as county attorney after completing law school. In 1960 
he was elected a member of Congress, and eight years later, he was 
elected a United States Senator from Kansas. Between 1985 and 1996, 
Senator Dole served as Republican leader of the Senate, both as 
majority leader and as minority leader. His over 11 years of service as 
Republican leader was the longest of any individual in the history of 
the United States Senate. As my colleagues know, Senator Dole was the 
Republican candidate for President of the United States in the 1996 
election.
  As one of our nation's outstanding veterans of World War II, Mr. 
Speaker, I can think of no individual better qualified than Bob Dole to 
serve as Chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign.
  In addition to the excellent testimony which Senator Dole provided at 
this morning's hearing, he wrote an excellent piece on the World War II 
Memorial which was published in today's Washington Post. Mr. Speaker, I 
submit Senator Dole's article to be placed in the Record and I urge my 
colleagues to read it carefully. I also urge my colleagues to support 
the construction and completion of the World War II Memorial honoring 
those who participated in that great conflict for the preservation of 
America's freedom.

                [From the Washington Post, June 6, 2000]

                            One Final Salute

                             (By Bob Dole)

       Fifty-six years ago today, American and allied forces 
     launched the invasion that turned the tide of World War II. 
     What better time than this anniversary of D-Day to remember 
     that the peace we enjoy today was secured at a precious 
     price--and to recommit ourselves to honor the sacrifices of 
     the veterans of World War II with a memorial on the National 
     Mall in Washington?
       It is testament to the overwhelming success of the World 
     War II generation that we can barely imagine a conflict in 
     which nearly 300 young servicemen and women died each day--
     year after year after year. Unfortunately, the veterans of 
     that war are now passing away in even greater numbers. Before 
     the World War II generation is gone, we owe them one last 
     salute, and the peace of mind that their service will be 
     remembered.
       Our country has endured three great challenges and has 
     emerged from each stronger and more united. The American 
     Revolution demonstrated our determination to be free, and the 
     Civil War tested our will to extend that freedom to all. The 
     third great moment of trial, confrontation and resolution 
     occurred nearly 60 years ago. The struggle of free men and 
     women against totalitarianism peaked during World War II and 
     lingered through the Cold War. Freedom's victory over tyranny 
     is now so complete that it is easy to forget the issue was 
     ever in doubt.
       Throughout World War II, my generation was inspired by the 
     legacy of past defenders of freedom. Thousands of servicemen 
     absorbed the words of the Founders etched in stone on the 
     great monuments of our nation's capital. From the memorials 
     to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, young GIs drew deep 
     reserves of faith, courage and fortitude. These solid and 
     silent monuments did not sit idly as war raged; they passed 
     on America's noble purpose from one generation to the next.
       No doubt future generations will be asked to mount their 
     own defense of American freedoms. We must act now to build a 
     National World War II Memorial to honor the achievements of 
     the last generation and to inspire future generations. We 
     must complete the unfinished business of World War II before 
     the last veterans of that great conflict are gone.
       Our task is nearly complete. On Veterans Day 1995, a 
     deserved site on the Mall between the Washington Monument and 
     the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. The Capital Campaign for 
     the National World War II Memorial is closing in on the $100 
     million goal with contributions from corporations, 
     foundations, veterans' groups and private citizens in every 
     state of the Union.
       I will be accepting today a contribution of more than $14 
     million for the memorial--money collected from individual 
     Americans in Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores across the 
     country. This generous spirit is being replicated in 
     communities throughout America.
       The memorial is the right statement in the right place. Its 
     design creates a special place to commemorate the sacrifice 
     and celebrate the victory of World War II, yet remains 
     respectful and sensitive to the vistas and park-like setting 
     of its historic surroundings. This summer we will seek final 
     approval of the design from the Commission of Fine Arts and 
     the National Capital Planning Commission so that we can break 
     ground for the memorial on Veterans Day weekend in November.
       Meanwhile, another 1,000 veterans of World War II pass away 
     every day--so quickly that in a few years there will be only 
     a handful left. The youngest participants in World War II are 
     today in their mid-seventies--enjoying the closing chapters 
     of their lives.
       These veterans deserve a memorial to preserve the memory of 
     their actions against the tide of time. It is up to us, and 
     the time is now.

     

                          ____________________