VA Secretary Supports World War II Memorial

Washington –Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi called for the speedy construction of the World War II Memorial — which he called “the nation’s expression of remembrance and thanks” — in the heart of the nation’s capital.

     “The veterans of World War II literally saved our world,” Principi said. “Now, each day 1,100 of them die. We should finish this memorial to them –and to the greatest challenge this country faced during the 20^th century –while significant numbers of them are here to enjoy it.”

     Principi’s statement came on the heels of a vote May 15 by the House of Representatives to pass legislation that would override any legal or administrative challenges either to the site or to the design of the memorial.

     “Americans support this memorial because they understand the debt we owe to the men and women who put their lives on the line to make possible the freedom we enjoy today,” Principi said.

     “VA firmly supports the expeditious construction of a World War II Memorial on the National Mall,” he continued. “This position is supported by the leaders and members of the major veterans service organizations and, I believe, by the overwhelming majority of Americans.”

     More than 16 million people served in the U.S. military during World War II. About 291,000 fatalities are officially counted as combat deaths, while another 114,000 deaths occurred outside the combat theaters. Only about 5.4 million World War II veterans are still alive, and VA estimates that about 414,000 will die this year.

     “The time to build this memorial is now,” Principi said.