Protestors anger veterans over
WW II Memorial

Even as we commemorate the 1941 entrance of America into World War II this month, a few malcontents are keeping this country from saying a long-overdue thank you to the World War II generation.

On Nov. 11, even as Americans gathered to break ground for the much-anticipated National World War II Memorial on the Mall in our nation’s capital, some ungrateful people made plans to disrupt work on the project.

They sued to delay construction well after seven years of thought and planning for the memorial.

The decision making process encompassed 18 public hearings over the last five years––more than enough time for a good decision on the design and location. Opponents of the site and design were heard at every step.

The process was fair. It’s ungrateful to ask the courts to undo what a fair, open and lengthy process has determined––that there is no better place than the Mall to honor the generation that preserved our freedom.

When completed, the memorial will be a lasting tribute to an entire generation, which drew strength from the very same values that inspired the colonial citizen-soldiers. The cause of democracy prevailed as a result of the unflinching courage of 16 million World War II GIs––400,000 of whom gave their lives in military service.

The American Legion and its affiliated organizations (the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion) donated about $4 million for the National World War II Memorial.

The American people exceeded the fundraising goal by a long shot, which demonstrates that people support the design as well as the Rainbow Pool site on the Mall.

The memorial’s design and location are appropriately first rate. Not only will it permanently recognize the entire World War II generation that saved the world from tyranny, but it will also be a reminder of one generation’s exemplary devotion to principles of freedom, justice and equality.

By its completion date, this memorial will have taken more than twice as long to create as it took U.S. and allied forces to win the Second World War.

It will have taken from 1993 to 2003. That is, of course, if the project is not mired in courtroom battles.

We have taken too long to memorialize our fallen World War II heroes and we have certainly waited far too long to say "thank you" to the men and women of "Our Greatest Generation."

Millions of our World War II heroes have already passed on, and we lose more each day.

It’s time for protestors to leave the courtroom and to join hands and hearts with the millions of their fellow Americans to pay homage while we still can.

Let’s emblazon our gratitude with a thank you note in stone.

Ray Smith,

National Commander,

American Legion