Dedication of the World War II Veterans Memorial

DEDICATION OF THE WORLD WAR II VETERANS MEMORIAL

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, on May 29, 2004 the National World War II Memorial was formally dedicated on the National Mall.

A number of Rhode Islanders of whom our State is particularly proud played important roles in the design and construction of this strikingly beautiful monument.

Credit for the overall vision of the monument is owed to Providence's Friedrich St. Florian, whose architectural design was chosen from over 400 competing entries.

As to the great results of the construction, I am proud to mention North Kingstown's Anthony Ramos, the founder and president of New England Stone, whose company was responsible for quarrying and fabricating all granite use in the memorial. Nick and John Benson of the John Stephens Shop in Newport were the principal stone carvers of the project; through their work they turned hulks of granite into works of art. Finally, I am pleased to honor Lawrence Rebel and all members of the Gilbane Building Company of Providence for their contributions as construction managers, selected by the General Services Administration's public buildings division.

This memorial is a deserving tribute to the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States during the Second World War, and I am proud of Rhode Island's contributions to the effort.