VFW Leads Fight for Nation to Build WW II Memorial

World War II veterans and the nation now can be assured that construction of a World War II memorial on the Mall will soon begin. "We can thank Congress and President Bush for making this long overdue memorial a reality," said John F. Gwizdak, commander in chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The quick action nullifies a pending lawsuit by a small group who challenged the design and a decision by a federal commission to reopen the issue.

"This has been a long and difficult process. We have shared the frustration of many as the VFW worked through this long process to honor our World War II veterans. We are thrilled that this day has come. I am confident that the efforts of the 2.7-million-member VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary in contacting lawmakers, helped make our voices heard in the halls of Congress.

"The VFW has backed this memorial since the idea was first introduced some 14 years ago. For the past six years the VFW has participated in some of the 22 public hearings on the site and design of the memorial. We have pledged $7 million toward construction of the $160 million memorial," Gwizdak said.

Construction will take about 30 months. Of the 16 million men and women in uniform during World War II some 5.5 million are still living.