Vets gathering at memorial for one-of-a-kind reunion
WASHINGTON – One of the largest reunions of American war veterans began Thursday as World War II soldiers and their families flocked to Washington to celebrate the dedication of the World War II Memorial.
Organizers have prepared for 800,000 visitors throughout the holiday weekend, with the heaviest traffic Saturday for the dedication ceremony and for Sunday’s events on the National Mall.
Decorated in worn hats from aging uniforms and pins that testify to their military service, veterans strolled the mall Thursday reminiscing about the Greatest Generation and the war that unified the nation.
A wide swath of the mall is covered with white-topped tents where veterans can visit, exchange stories and listen to military and big band music.
One tent has a message board where the former soldiers can try to connect with other members from their units. Another tent is for storytelling; former Sen. Bob Dole talked about his war service Thursday. Others will talk about their roles on D-Day or their work as Navajo code-talkers.
“This is something that I personally have looked forward to for many, many years,” said Robert Santistevan, 83, of Aztec, N.M., who served with the Army in Europe. “I’m so happy that World War II veterans are being recognized for all of the effort they put forth in defense of the American way of life.”
The memorial was proposed to Congress 17 years ago, but the site wasn’t officially designated until 1995. The location, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial along the mall’s central axis, sparked controversy because some felt it would disturb the vistas.
The $175 million memorial opened to the public in late April, which allowed some veterans to see the 7.4-acre tribute without battling the crowds expected this weekend.
“It’s probably a dedication that is long overdue for all of the people who gave their lives so we could stay free,” said Robert Joy, 81, of Waterbury, Conn., who served in the Army. “When the other people see it – after we’ve gone back home – maybe it will enlighten them to know a little bit more about what World War II was about.”
Sixteen million Americans served and 400,000 were killed during the war, which ended nearly 60 years ago.
President Bush is scheduled to formally accept the memorial on behalf of the American people at Saturday’s dedication. His father, the first President Bush, was a Navy pilot during World War II.
Dole, who headed the fund-raising campaign, and actor Tom Hanks, who also raised money for the privately funded memorial, will speak. Former Presidents Bush and Clinton and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry are expected to attend.
The two-hour dedication will be held in front of the new memorial, with seats stretching between it and the Washington Monument. Security will be tight at the ceremony, especially in light of the Bush administration’s announcement Wednesday about possible terrorist threats against the United States. Federal counterterrorism officials believe the dedication is among several high-profile events that could be targeted by terrorists.