[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           LIBERTY MEMORIAL WORLD WAR I MONUMENT REDEDICATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 24, 2002

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that 
on May 25, 2002 the citizens of Kansas City and dignitaries from around 
the world will come together for the rededication of the Liberty 
Memorial, our nation's only recognized World War I Monument. This 
monument, originally dedicated on November 11, 1926, serves as a 
lasting beacon to our men and women of the armed services. I am proud 
that this distinguished historic landmark is located in the district 
that I represent.
  Following the Armistice on November 11, 1918, the citizens of the 
heartland rallied to build a memorial in honor of the 116,516 Americans 
who died in the war. The Liberty Memorial Association made up of 
greater Kansas City's business and political leaders organized a 
fundraising campaign with the slogan ``Lest the Ages Forget.'' The goal 
of $2.5 million, $2 million designated to build the monument and museum 
and $500,000 for Allied charities, was reached in ten days.
  On November 1, 1921, more that a hundred thousand people witnessed 
the site dedication, an event that hosted the five great Allied 
Commanders of World War I: General John J. Pershing of the United 
States; Admiral Lord Earl Beatty of Great Britain; General Armando Diaz 
of Italy; Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France; and Lieutenant General 
Baron Jacques of Belgium. General Pershing, a native Missourian, noted 
on the occasion that ``The people of Kansas City, Missouri are deeply 
proud of the beautiful memorial, erected in tribute to the patriotism, 
the gallant achievements, and the heroic sacrifices of their sons and 
daughters who served in our country's armed forces during the World 
War. It symbolizes their grateful appreciation of duty well done, an 
appreciation which I share, because I know so well how richly it is 
merited.'' During the parade that followed the ceremony, the American 
Legion Vice Chairman of Decoration Committee, Honorable Harry S. 
Truman, presented their country's flags to the Allied Commanders.
  Vice President Calvin Coolidge participated as an honored guest 
during the site dedication and returned as President five years later 
as honored speaker for the official Liberty Memorial dedication on 
November 11, 1926, attended by one hundred and fifty thousand people. 
In his address at the Liberty Memorial dedication, President Calvin 
Coolidge noted that, ``We are attempting to restore the world to a 
state of better understanding and amity. It is enough for us to know 
that the side on which we fought was victorious. But we should never 
forget that we were asserting our rights and maintaining our ideals.'' 
His words are especially true today as we rededicate our efforts to 
fight for our ideals of peace and liberty against those who threaten us 
through acts of global terrorism.
  Forty years later, Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle proclaimed that a 
rededication of the Liberty Memorial would take place the week of 
November 10, 1961 to promote international understanding. Mayor Bartle 
gave purpose to the rededication with the following statement, ``This 
monument encompasses all the individual efforts of the people of the 
world to live in friendship and fraternity so that all can assist one 
another in eliminating hunger, poverty, disease and illiteracy so that 
the world can set aside the hatred, fears, prejudices, and inequities 
that exist.'' The ceremonies featured former Presidents Dwight D. 
Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman along with 57 foreign representatives to 
emphasize international relations and the establishment of People to 
People headquarters in Kansas City. On Veterans Day, November 11, 1961, 
President Truman said, ``Those who fought in the war thought it was the 
war to end all wars. It would have been if we had done our duty as a 
nation. Our failure to participate in the League of Nations was a 
factor in World War II . . . I was here in 1921, at the original 
dedication. It is a wonderful thing when people take on themselves a 
job that ought to be done . . . I hope this day will be a preliminary 
to continuing world peace.'' Today we continue to strive for world 
peace as we continue the job of what ought to be done.
  In 1994 the deterioration of the Liberty Memorial had reached a 
critical stage and had to be closed. Once again the citizens, 
corporations and government responded. The State of Missouri 
appropriated the amount of $15,000,000. The United States Congress 
approved my request for $5,000,000. Foundations, corporations, private 
citizens and a Kansas City sales tax have resulted in an additional 
$55,000,000. The culmination of the restoration project will be at the 
rededication ceremony this Saturday on May 25, 2002, when the Liberty 
Memorial will once again be opened to the public. The Liberty Memorial 
has renewed life from the work of artisan craftsmen, priceless oil 
paintings restored, bronze light fixtures refurbished, sky light in 
place, and the monument made structurally sound. This Saturday, May 25, 
2002 the flame will once again grace the skyline of Kansas

[[Page E932]]

City. Allied leaders, diplomats, international dignitaries and 
Ambassadors from Italy, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom have 
been invited to participate in the rededication of this very special 
monument, which represents the appreciation of those who gave their 
lives to preserve our freedom, ``Less the Ages Forget.''
  On the base of the Liberty Memorial is an inscription which reads, 
``In Honor of Those Who Served in the World War in Defense of Liberty 
and Our Country.'' The top of the Memorial has four Guardian Spirits: 
Honor, Sacrifice, Patriotism and Courage. This Memorial Day weekend our 
prayers should include the brave men and women who serve in defense of 
Liberty and our Country with honor, sacrifice, patriotism and courage.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating one of our Nation's most 
cherished reminder of liberty and freedom, the restored World War I 
Liberty Memorial in Kansas City Missouri.

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