OLD GLORY FLIES OVER NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
AMVETS National Commander honors WWII veterans during special ceremony

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008—This morning, Old Glory was raised over the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This historic tribute to our military men and women started the final leg of Old Glory’s Journey of Remembrance. AMVETS National Commander John P. “JP” Brown III was on hand with the White House Commission on Remembrance to pay tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors and World War II veterans from around the country at the historic flag-raising.  

“[This memorial] stands as a permanent fixture in the center of our Nation’s Capitol as a tribute to the 16 million brave Americans who answered the call to serve, the 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice, and all on the home front, who sustained our forces overseas during World War II,” said Brown. “As we gather today to honor the flag and all who are sworn to defend it, it only seems fitting that we raise Old Glory over this monument, which stands as a reminder that our freedom is not free.”

The National World War II Memorial was commissioned by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Construction on the project began in September 2001, with the memorial officially opening to the public in April 2004. In the time since its opening, AMVETS posts from around the country have worked with Ohio-based non-profit “Honor Flight” to ensure that WWII veterans have an opportunity to see their monument in person. 

AMVETS has partnered with the White House Commission on Remembrance to promote Old Glory’s Journey of Remembrance. The journey is a six-month tour of the United States counting down to the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, when Old Glory will fly over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington.

“Each stop on this countdown is a way for Americans to remember exactly what our men and women in uniform have fought for throughout our history,” said Brown. “AMVETS is proud to be working with the (White House) commission to make this possible, especially with our close ties to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.”

Old Glory’s journey began on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, when the flag flew over the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii. Other historic sites on the journey include Fort McHenry in Maryland, Palo Alto Battlefield in Texas, Chalmette in Louisiana, Independence Hall and Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania, Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia, and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

Media Contact:

National
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(301)683-4073
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