CAS3
06-01-04, 11:21 AM
World War II Vets, Other Heroes, Honored on Memorial Day
WASHINGTON (May 28, 2004) - 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
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040527.html>
WASHINGTON (May 28, 2004) - 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
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040527.html>