WASHINGTON – With the dedication of the nation’s World War II Memorial here on Saturday, veterans of “the greatest generation” are being singled out for special attention on Memorial Day 2004.
“They hold a cherished place in the history of the United States and in the memories of the people they liberated,” President George W. Bush said in a proclamation issued May 27.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi praised the “selfless determination and purpose of mission that inspired American GIs to surmount the obstacles of war and build a new peace.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that nearly 1.2 million men and women have died in the military since the Revolutionary War. More than 25 million veterans are alive today. Of the 16 million service members during World War II, only about 4.4 million are living.
President Bush noted that the men and women serving in the military for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom “are serving at a crucial hour in history, and each has answered a great call to serve our Nation on the front lines of freedom.”
The President’s Memorial Day Proclamation can be seen on the Internet at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040527.html
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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