Webb Testifies Before Senate Hearing on His Legislation to Honor World War I Veterans
Press Release
Joined By Last Surviving American World War I Veteran
Webb Testifies Before Senate Hearing on His Legislation to Honor World War I Veterans
Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today testified before members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks in support of legislation that he introduced to rededicate the existing District of Columbia War Memorial on the National Mall as the National World War I Memorial. The hearing also reviewed his legislation to establish a Commission to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
"I believe that it is right and appropriate to honor our World War I veterans with a national monument on the National Mall, near the memorials honoring those who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam," said Senator Webb, a decorated combat Marine in Vietnam and former Secretary of the Navy.
Senator Webb's "Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act," S. 2097, would rededicate the District of Columbia memorial as the national World War I Memorial. The measure is named for 108 year-old Frank Buckles of West Virginia, the last surviving American World War I veteran, who provided testimony at today's hearing. The legislation would also authorize the non-profit World War I Memorial Foundation to make repairs and improvements to the existing memorial, as well as to install a new commemorative element at the memorial.
The committee also reviewed the "Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Act of 2009," S. 1838, which Senator Webb introduced with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), to establish a Commission to ensure proper commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Comprised of 25 members from government, business, and academia, this commission will develop and carry out programs to ensure suitable national observance of the anniversary. The commission will work together with state and local governments, as well as various organizations, to assist with commemoration activities and ensure that remembrance occurs at every level.
Source