[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING ARCHITECT FRIEDRICH ST. FLORIAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and remember architect 
Friedrich St. Florian.
  He was a visionary architect whose profound design of the National 
World War II Memorial on our National Mall has left an indelible, 
enduring mark honoring our Nation's history along that historic Mall of 
democracy--our collective memory.
  Friedrich's architecture does more than commemorate. It invites 
reflection, on that area of the Mall, on the sacrifices of the greatest 
and most unselfish generation this Nation has ever seen, ensuring that 
their valor, unity, and sacrifice are honored for all time.
  Friedrich was born amidst the throes of conflict in Graz, Austria. 
Friedrich's early experiences of war profoundly shaped his values and 
vision. His architectural design of the World War II Memorial was not 
merely a professional task. It stands as his personal tribute to 
freedom and to democracy and its cost.
  He was deeply informed by his own moment of liberation at the end of 
World War II. How fortunate as an American he could connect that 
experience to our own. The memorial represents the 20th century's most 
valued achievement: The victory of liberty over tyranny.
  As an Austrian by birth and an American by choice, Friedrich brought 
grace, dignity, and artistry along with his deeply held belief in the 
cost of liberty.
  The memorial and its design stands as a testament to his commitment 
to honor the sacrifices of those who fought to save liberty for our 
generation and those to follow.
  As we reflect on his enormous legacy, let us visit the National World 
War II Memorial as nearly 100 million Americans have done already. Let 
us share the stories of those who served and what they fought for and 
against, and ensure that their sacrifices continue to inspire future 
generations.
  Friedrich St. Florian's work remains a symbol of our gratitude, a 
beacon of hope for peace where nearly, as I mentioned, visitors from 
near and far have come. As the designers intended, this memorial sits 
between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and was 
designed as a plaza where people can come and reflect on the awesome 
history of our great country.
  I thank Friedrich and his family and all those who assisted him for 
his monumental gift from the 20th century to our Nation going forward.

  He will be dearly missed, but through his outstanding work with every 
detail, even the type of stone that was used, he will never ever be 
forgotten.

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