The Patriot Files

RMCS James J Hawkins

David — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:38:34 -0700

by: David

Description: RMCS James J Hawkins

MACM Ronald D Hawkins

David — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:38:07 -0700

by: David

Description: MACM Ronald D Hawkins

Fox Island Cemetary War Memorial, Fox Island WA

David — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:12:04 -0700

by: David

Description: Fox Island Cemetary War Memorial, Fox Island WA

Fox Island Cemetary War Memorial, Fox Island WA

David — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:12:04 -0700

by: David

Description: Fox Island Cemetary War Memorial, Fox Island WA

Glass Wall a Duxford IMW

Matzos — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 23:57:12 -0700

by: Matzos

Description: The wall shows all the USAAF aircraft that were lost during WWII, flying from the UK

1 comment

Glass Wall a Duxford IMW

Matzos — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 23:57:12 -0700

by: Matzos

Description: The wall shows all the USAAF aircraft that were lost during WWII, flying from the UK

Western Naval Task Force

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:22:38 -0700

by: David

Description: The Western Naval Task Force Marker at Casablanca, Morocco is located at the Ben M'Sick civilian cemetery. The bronze plaque, mounted on a solid block of Moroccan granite, commemorates the U.S. Western Task Force, which successfully made assault landings at Mohemmedia, Safi and Kenitra on November 8-11, 1942. This was the first ever trans-oceanic amphibious operation, which embarked from Hampton Roads, Virginia, and was comprised of American troops that were transported and supported by one hundred naval vessels. The landings were made near Casablanca on the Atlantic coast of French Morocco.

West Coast Memorial

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:21:55 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II West Coast Memorial is located on a high ground overlooking the entrance to San Francisco Harbor. It is at the intersection of Lincoln and Harrison Boulevards in the Presidio of San Francisco, California, near the southern edge of the Golden Gate Bridge. This memorial was erected in the memory of those soldiers, sailors, marines and coast guardsmen, and airmen who met their deaths in the American coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean during World War II. It consists of a curved gray granite wall decorated with bas relief sculpture and a statue of Liberty on its right flank. On the wall are inscribed the name, rank, organization and State of each of the 412 American Missing whose remains were never recovered or identified. The terrace affords an excellent view of the neighboring shore and the exit from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Pacific Ocean.

Utah Beach American Memor

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:21:01 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Utah Beach American Memorial is located at the termination of Highway N-13D, approximately a mile and a half northeast of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Manche), France. This monument commemorates the achievements of the American Forces of the VII Corps who landed and fought in the liberation of the Cotentin Peninsula from June 6, 1944 to July 1, 1944. The memorial consists of a red granite obelisk surrounded by a small developed park overlooking the historic sand dunes of Utah Beach, one of the two American landing beaches during the Normandy Invasion of June 6, 1944.

Tours American Monument

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:20:15 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Tours American Monument located in the city of Tours, France, one hundred and forty-six miles southwest of Paris. The Monument commemorates the efforts of the 650,000 men who served during World War I in the Services of Supply of the American Expeditionary Forces and whose work behind the battle lines made possible the brilliant achievements of the American Armies in the field. It is located just east of the southern end of the Pont Wilson which crosses the Loire River in prolongation of the main street (Rue National) of Tours, and consists of a handsome fountain of white stone with a gold gilded statue of an American Indian holding an eagle. The surrounding area was developed into a small park by the Commission.

Souilly Marker

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:19:32 -0700

by: David

Description: On the outside of the town hall of Souilly, France is a bronze tablet identifying this building as the headquarters of the American First Army towards the end of World War I. Inscribed in French and English is the following: HEADQUARTERS OF THE AMERICAN FIRST ARMY OCCUPIED THIS BUILDING FROM SEPTEMBER 21, 1918 TO THE END OF HOSTILITIES, AND FROM HERE CONDUCTED THE MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE, ONE OF THE GREATEST OPERATIONS OF THE WAR.

Sommepy American Monument

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:18:45 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Sommepy American Monument stands on Blank Mont Ridge, three miles northwest of Sommepy-Tahure (Marne), France. The site is eleven miles north of Suippes and one hundred and twenty-four miles east of Paris. It can be reached via Chalons-sur-Marne or Reims. The monument is surrounded by vestiges of World War I trenches, dugouts and gun emplacements. It is essentially a tower of golden-yellow limestone with an observation tower on top affording an excellent view of the battlefields. Weather permitting, it is open daily. Inside the entrance to the monument is an inscription describing American operations in the vicinity. The monument's site was captured by American troops. It commemorates the achievements of the 70,000 Americans who served in this region during the summer and fall of 1918.

Santiago Surrender Tree

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:17:40 -0700

by: David

Description: The Santiago Surrender Tree is located in Santiago, Cuba. The monument marks the site at which Spanish forces surrendered Santiago de Cuba to United States forces on July 17, 1898 during the Spanish American War. On July 1, U.S. and Cuban troops had taken El Viso Fort, the town of El Caney and San Juan heights, and San Juan Hill was taken at the same time, with the help of the Rough Riders under Teddy Roosevelt. These victories opened the way to Santiago de Cuba. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was among those who cared for the wounded at Santiago. By Act of Congress, the Santiago Surrender Tree became the responsibility of the American Battle Monuments Commission on July 1, 1958. The tree has since died, but the cannon and plaques continue to mark the surrender site.

Saipan American Memorial

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:16:36 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Saipan American Memorial is located near the beach overlooking Tanapag Harbor on the Island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands. It is a part of the American Memorial Park commemorating the Americans and Chamorras who died during the liberation of the Mariana Islands during World War II. Specifically, the memorial honors the 24,000 American Marines and Soldiers who died recapturing the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Guam during the period June 15, 1944 to August 11, 1944. The memorial consists of a twelve-foot rectangular obelisk of rose granite in a landscaped area of local flora and a twenty-foot tower to the north enclosing a carillon. Inscribed on the monument is the following: THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO ITS SONS WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE LIBERATION OF THE MARIANAS. 1941-1945

Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monu

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:15:23 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, which overlooks Omaha Beach. It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, these elements scaled the 100-foot cliff and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha Beach. At a high cost of life, they successfully defended against determined German counterattacks. The monument consists of a simple granite pylon positioned atop a German concrete bunker with tablets at its base inscribed in French and English. The monument was formally transferred to the American Battle Monuments Commission for perpetual care and maintenance on January 11, 1979. This battle-scarred area on the left flank of Omaha Beach remains much as the Rangers left it.

Naval Monument at Gibralt

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:14:33 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Naval Monument at Gibraltar is located at the Straits of Gibraltar, the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a masonry archway which leads to a British Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. Over the arch are two bronze seals of the United States and the Department of the Navy. This monument, constructed of the stone from the neighboring "Rock," commemorates the achievements of the United States Navy in the nearby waters and its comradeship with the British Royal Navy during World War I. From this monument, located in the midst of its historic surroundings, there is a flight of steps which connects the British naval establishments below with the cemetery and the picturesque town above. Gibraltar is a port of call for many ships. A visit to the monument requires about half an hour from your arrival at Gibraltar.

Naval Monument at Brest

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:13:34 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Naval Monument at Brest, France stands on the ramparts of the city overlooking the harbor which was a major base of operations for American naval vessels during the war. The original monument built on this site to commemorate the achievements of the United States Navy during World War I, was destroyed by the Germans on July 4, 1941, prior to the United States entry into World War II. The present structure is a replica of the original and was completed in 1958. The monument is a rectangular rose colored granite shaft rising one hundred and forty-five feet above the lower terrace and one hundred feet above the Cours d'Ajot. It sits upon a German bunker complex at the approximate site of the original monument. All four sides of the monument are decorated with sculpture of naval interest. The surrounding area has been developed by the Commission into an attractive park.

Montsec American Monument

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:12:38 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Montsec American Monument is located on the isolated hill of Montsec (Thiaucourt), France twelve miles southeast of our St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial and ten miles east of the town of St. Mihiel. The entrance to the memorial's access road is immediately west of the center of Montsec Village. This majestic monument, commemorating the achievements of the American soldiers who fought in this region in 1917 and 1918, dominates the landscape for miles around. It consists of a classic circular colonnade with a broad approach stairway. Within its center is a bronze relief map of the St. Mihiel salient, illustrating the military operations that took place there. The monument was slightly damaged during World War II, but has been repaired. From this vantage point the trenches used during the fighting can be seen.

Montfaucon American Monum

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:11:46 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Montfaucon American Monument is located seven miles south of the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial and twenty miles northwest of Verdun. It consists of a massive granite Doric column, surmounted by a statue symbolic of Liberty, which towers more than two hundred feet above the war ruins of the former village. It commemorates the American victory during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive during the period September 26, 1918 to November 11, 1918, when the American First Army forced the enemy to conduct a general retreat on this front. On the walls of the foyer are an engraved map of the operations with a narrative and a special tribute to the American troops who served here. The observation platform on top of the memorial is reached by two hundred and thirty-four steps and affords magnificent views of this battlefield.

Kemmel American Monument

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:11:06 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Kemmel American Monument is four miles south of Ieper (Ypres), Belgium, near Vierstraat on the Kemmelberg (Mont Kemmel) Road overlooking the bitterly contested Ypres battlefield. Ieper is thirty miles south of Ostend (Ostende), seventy-four miles west of Brussels and one hundred and sixty-five miles north of Paris, France. It is accessible by train. This small monument on a low platform consists of a rectangular white stone block, in front of which is carved a soldier's helmet upon a wreath. It commemorates the services and sacrifices of the American troops who, in the late summer of 1918, fought nearby in units attached to the British Army. Some are buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery at Waregem, thirty-four miles to the east.

Honolulu Memorial

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:10:17 -0700

by: David

Description: The Honolulu Memorial is located within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in an extinct volcano near the center of the city at 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii. On either side of the grand stairs leading to the memorial are eight courts of the Missing on which are inscribed the names of the 18,096 American World War II Missing from the Pacific, excluding those from the southwest Pacific, and 8,196 American Missing from the Korean War. Two half courts have been added at the foot of the staircase that contain the names of 2,504 Americans missing from the Vietnam War. At the top of the stairs is a chapel flanked by galleries containing mosaic maps and descriptions of the achievements of the American Armed Forces in the Central and South Pacific regions and in Korea.

Guadalcanal American Memo

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:09:16 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial is located on Skyline Drive overlooking the town of Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. It was built through the joint efforts of the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Guadalcanal-Solomon Islands Memorial Commission. It honors those Americans and its Allies who lost their lives during the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II (August 7, 1942 to February 9, 1943). The memorial consists of a four-foot square by twenty-four foot tall pylon on which is inscribed: THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO ITS SONS AND ITS ALLIES WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE LIBERATION OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 1942 - 1943 There are four directional walls pointing to the four major battle areas. Inscribed on these walls are a description of the battles and a listing of the U.S. and Allied ships that were lost.

East Coast Memorial

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:08:02 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II East Coast Memorial is located in Battery Park in New York City at the southern end of Manhattan Island. It is about one hundred fifty yards from the South Ferry subway station on the IRT Lines and overlooks the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. It stands just south of historic Fort Clinton on a site furnished by the Department of Parks of the City of New York. This memorial commemorates those soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, merchant marines and airmen who met their deaths in the service of their country in the western waters of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Its axis is oriented on the Statue of Liberty. On each side of the axis are four gray granite pylons upon which are inscribed the name, rank, organization and state of each of the 4,609 Missing in the waters of the Atlantic.

Chaumont Marker

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:07:13 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Chaumont Marker is a bronze plaque located at the entrance to Damremont Barracks, Chaumont, France. It signifies the location of the General Headquarters of the American Expeditionary Forces of World War I commanded by General John J. Pershing. Its inscription in French and English reads as follows: GENERAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES IN EUROPE DURING THE WORLD WAR OCCUPIED THE BUILDING OF THE CASERNE DAMREMONT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1917 TO JULY 11, 1919 AND FROM HERE DIRECTED THE ACTIVITIES OF MORE THAN TWO MILLION AMERICAN SOLDIERS.

Chateau-Thierry American

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:06:18 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Chateau-Thierry American Monument is located on a hill two miles west of Chateau-Thierry, France. It commands a wide view of the valley of the Marne River. It is about fifty-four miles east of Paris, four and a half miles southeast of our Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial and seventeen miles southwest of our Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial. It commemorates the achievements of the American forces that fought in this region in World War I. At the nearby cemeteries rest those Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Two stone pylons mark the entrance from Highway N-3 running from Paris to Chateau-Thierry. The monument consists of an impressive double colonnade rising above a long terrace. On its west facade are heroic sculptured figures representing the United States and France. On its east facade is a map showing American military operations in this region and an orientation table pointing out the significant battle sites.

Cantigny American Monumen

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:05:30 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Cantigny American Monument is located in the village of Cantigny (Somme), France, about four miles northwest of Montdidier on route D-26 from Montdidier to Ailly-sur-Noye. It is about sixty-six miles north of Paris via Chantilly or Senlis. This battlefield monument, commemorates the first offensive operation by a large American unit in May 1918. It stands in the center of a village which was captured during that attack. The village was completely destroyed by artillery fire. The monument consists of a white stone shaft on a platform surrounded by an attractive park, developed and maintained by the Commission. The quiet surroundings now give no hint of the bitter hand to hand fighting which took place nearby many years ago.

Cabanatuan American Memor

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:04:32 -0700

by: David

Description: The Cabanatuan American Memorial was erected by the survivors of the Bataan Death March and the prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines during World War II. It is located at the site of the camp and honors those Americans and Filipinos who died during their internment. The American Battle Monuments Commission, recognizing the significance of this memorial, accepted responsibility for its operation and maintenance in 1989.

Bellicourt American Monum

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:03:33 -0700

by: David

Description: The Bellicourt American Monument is nine miles north of St. Quentin (Aisne), France on the highway to Cambrai and one mile north of the village of Bellicourt. It is ninety-seven miles north of Paris and three miles from the Somme American Cemetery. Erected above a canal tunnel built by Napoleon I, it commemorates the achievements and sacrifices of the 90,000 American troops who served in battle with the British Armies in France during 1917 and 1918. The tunnel was one of the main defense features of the Hindenburg Line which was broken by the American troops in a brilliant offensive in September 1918. Engraved on the rear facade of the memorial is a map illustrating the American operations. On the terrace is an orientation table.

Belleau Wood

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:02:28 -0700

by: David

Description: Belleau Wood is located on the high ground to the rear of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial south of the village of Belleau (Aisne), France. It contains many of the vestiges of World War I. In the center of the road leading through the woods is a flagpole and a monument commemorating the valor of the United States Marines who captured this area in 1918. There is an outdoor display of some of the artillery pieces used by the Marines. The outline of the trenches dug in 1918 is still visible.

Audenarde American Monume

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:01:14 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Audenarde American Monument is located in the town of Oudenaarde (Audenarde), Belgium, seventeen miles south of Gent (Gand), thirty-eight miles west of Brussels and one hundred and eighty-three miles north of Paris, France. The monument of golden-yellow limestone, bearing the shield of the United States flanked by two stone eagles, stands at the end of a small park maintained by the Commission. It commemorates the services and sacrifices of the 40,000 American troops who, in October and November 1918, fought in the vicinity as units attached to the Group of Armies commanded by the King of Belgium. Some are buried in the Flanders Field American Cemetery at Waregem, Belgium, eight miles to the west.

World War II Memorial

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:58:53 -0700

by: David

Description: National WWII Memorial Visiting the Memorial The memorial opened to the public on April 29, 2004 and was dedicated one month later on May 29. It is located on 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, and is flanked by the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. The memorial is now operated by the National Park Service and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Authorization President Clinton signed Public Law 103-32 on May 25, 1993, authorizing the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to establish a World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., or its environs. It will be the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II and acknowledging the commitment and achievement of the entire nation. The law also authorized the president to appoint a Memorial Advisory Board to offer advice to the ABMC on site selection and design of the memorial, as well as to perform its primary duty of promoting and encouraging private donations for the building of the memorial. The board was appointed in September 1994, and works under the chairmanship of Pete Wheeler, commissioner of veterans affairs of the state of Georgia. Purpose The memorial will honor the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial will be a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy. Above all, the memorial will stand as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when a free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause. Site The first step in establishing the memorial was the selection of an appropriate site. Congress provided legislative authority for siting the memorial in the prime area of the national capital, known as Area I, which includes the National Mall. The National Park Service, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission approved selection of the Rainbow Pool site at the east end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. President Clinton dedicated the memorial site during a formal ceremony on Veterans Day 1995. Design ABMC engaged the General Services Administration?s (GSA) Public Buildings Service to act as its agent to manage the memorial project. The design submitted by Friedrich St. Florian, an architect based in Providence, R.I., was selected as one of six semi-finalists in an open, national competition. Leo A Daly, an international architecture firm, assembled the winning team with St. Florian as the design architect. The team also includes George E. Hartman of Hartman-Cox Architects, Oehme van Sweden & Associates, sculptor Ray Kaskey, and stone carver and letterer Nick Benson. St. Florian?s memorial design concept was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission in the summer of 1998. The commissions approved the preliminary design in 1999, the final architectural design and several ancillary elements in 2000, granite selections in 2001, and sculpture and inscriptions in 2002 and 2003. Fundraising Campaign The memorial is funded primarily by private contributions. The fund-raising campaign was led by National Chairman Senator Bob Dole and National Co-Chairman Frederick W. Smith. Senator Dole, a World War II veteran seriously wounded on the battlefield and twice decorated with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was the Republican nominee for president in 1996 and the longest-serving Republican Leader in the U.S. Senate. Frederick W. Smith is chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corporation, a $17 billion global transportation and logistics holding company. He is a graduate of Yale and a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, and serves on the boards of various transport, industry and civic organizations. The memorial received more than $195 million in cash and pledges. This total includes $16 million provided by the federal government. Timeline Construction began in September 2001, and the memorial opened to the public on April 29, 2004. The memorial will be dedicated on Saturday, May 29, 2004. ABMC The American Battle Monuments Commission is an independent, executive branch agency with 11 commissioners and a secretary appointed by the president. The ABMC administers, operates and maintains 24 permanent U.S. military cemeteries and 25 memorial structures in 15 countries around the world, including three memorials in the United States. The commission is also responsible for the establishment of other memorials in the U.S. as directed by Congress. Chronology In 1993, the Congress passed legislation authorizing the building of a National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., or its immediate environs. The authorizing legislation was signed into law by the President on May 25, 1993. The responsibility for designing and constructing the memorial was given to the American Battle Monuments Commission, an independent federal agency created by law in 1923. The memorial will honor all who served in the American armed services during World War II and the entire nation's contribution to the war effort. The following summary highlights key events in the history of the project. 1987 - 1993 Dec 10, '87 - Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) introduces legislation to authorize establishing a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Similar legislation was introduced in 1989, 1991 and 1993. May 25, '93 - President Clinton signs Public Law 103-32 authorizing the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a World War II Memorial in the District or its environs. 1994 Sep 30 - The President appoints a 12-member Memorial Advisory Board (MAB), as authorized in Public Law 103-32, to advise the ABMC in site selection and design, and to promote donations to support memorial construction. Oct 6-7 - The House and Senate pass Joint Resolution 227 approving location of the World War II Memorial in the Capital?s monumental core area because of its lasting historic significance to the nation. The President signed the resolution into law on October 25th. 1995 Jan 20 - ABMC and MAB hold their first joint site selection session attended by representatives of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the National Capital Memorial Commission (NCMC), the National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seven potential sites are visited: Capitol Reflecting Pool area (between 3rd Street and the Reflecting Pool) Tidal Basin (northeast side, east of the Tidal Basin parking lot and west of the 14th Street Bridge access road) West Potomac Park (between Ohio Drive and the northern shore of the Potomac River, northwest of the FDR Memorial site) Constitution Gardens (east end, between Constitution Avenue and the Rainbow Pool) Washington Monument grounds (at Constitution Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, west of the Museum of American History) Freedom Plaza (on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets) Henderson Hall, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery (Henderson Hall was dropped from consideration because of its unavailability). Mar 2 - The ABMC and MAB unanimously select the Constitution Gardens site as the most appropriate one out of the six alternatives. May 9 & Jun 20 - The NCMC holds public hearings on the site for the World War II Memorial with consideration given to both the Constitution Gardens site and the Capitol Reflecting Pool site on Third Street. Jul 27 - The CFA concludes after a public hearing that the Constitution Gardens site would not be commensurate with the historical significance of World War II, and requests that further consideration be given to the Capitol Reflecting Pool and Freedom Plaza along with a new alternative, the traffic circle on Columbia Island on the Lincoln Memorial-Arlington Cemetery axis. The Rainbow Pool is discussed as a possible alternative site. Aug 6 - The ABMC proposes to the chairmen of the CFA, NCPC and NPS that the Rainbow Pool site with space on both sides of the pool be studied as a replacement for the Constitution Gardens site. Sep 19 - In a public meeting, the CFA unanimously approves the Rainbow Pool site with the understanding that design guidelines be developed in consultation with them. Oct 5 - During a public meeting, the NCPC approves the Rainbow Pool site on the condition that the Mall?s east-west vista formed by the elm trees bordering the Reflecting Pool would be preserved. Nov 11 - The President dedicates the memorial site in a formal ceremony that concludes the 50th Anniversary of World War II commemorations. A plaque marks the site as the future location of the World War II Memorial. 1996 Apr 19 - The ABMC and General Services Administration (GSA), acting as agent for the ABMC, announce a two-stage open design competition for the memorial that closed on Aug 12th. Aug 15-16 - Four hundred and four entries are reviewed by a distinguished Evaluation Board that selects six competition finalists. The second stage competition closes on Oct 25th. Oct 29 - A Design Jury composed of distinguished architects, landscape architects, architectural critics and WWII veterans review the designs of the six finalists. Oct 30-31 - The Evaluation Board evaluates finalist design submissions and interviews the six design teams. Both the Design Jury and the Evaluation Board, independently of each other, recommend unanimously that the Leo A. Daly team with Friedrich St. Florian as design architect be selected. ABMC approves the recommendation on Nov 20th. 1997 Jan 17 - The President announces St. Florian?s winning memorial design during a White House ceremony. Mar 19 - Senator Bob Dole is named National Chairman of the memorial campaign. Jul 24 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves many elements of the design concept, but voices strong concern over the mass and scale and the interior space of the concept as presented. The CFA requests that the design be given further study and resubmitted at a later date, but unanimously reaffirms the Rainbow Pool site. Jul 31 - In a public hearing, the NCPC reaffirms its approval of the Rainbow Pool site, but requests design modifications and an analysis of various environmental considerations prior to the commission's further action on a revised design concept. Aug 19 - ABMC announces that Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Federal Express Corporation, will team with Senator Dole as National Co-Chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign. 1998 Apr 7 - ABMC approves the recommendation of its Site and Design Committee that St. Florian?s revised design concept be forwarded to the CFA, the NCPC and the District of Columbia?s Historic Preservation Office for their action. May 21 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves the revised design concept. Jul 9 - In a public hearing, the NCPC approves the revised design concept. 1999 Apr 21 - ABMC approves the recommendation of its Site and Design Committee that St. Florian?s preliminary design be forwarded to the CFA and NCPC for their action. May 20 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves the memorial?s preliminary design. Jun 3 - In a public hearing, the NCPC approves the memorial's preliminary design. 2000 Jul 20 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves the memorial?s final architectural design. Sep 21 - In a public hearing, the NCPC approves the memorial?s final architectural design. Nov 11 - A groundbreaking ceremony attended by 15,000 people is held at the memorial?s Rainbow Pool site. Nov 16 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves several ancillary elements of the memorial: an information pavilion, a comfort station, an access road and a contemplative area. Dec 14 - In a public hearing, the NCPC approves several ancillary elements of the memorial: an information pavilion, a comfort station, an access road and a contemplative area. 2001 Jan 23 - Construction permit issued by the National Park Service. Mar 9 - Construction, which was to begin in March, is delayed indefinitely pending resolution of a lawsuit filed by a small opposition group in Washington, D.C., and a procedural issue involving the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), one of the agencies required by law to approve the memorial. May 21-22 - The House and Senate pass legislation directing that the memorial be constructed expeditiously at the dedicated Rainbow Pool site on the National Mall in a manner consistent with previous approvals and permits. President Bush signed the legislation into law (Public Law 107-11) on Memorial Day, May 28th. Jun 7 - The General Services Administration, acting as agent for the American Battle Monuments Commission, awards a $56 million construction contract to the joint venture of Tompkins Builders and Grunley-Walsh Construction. Jun 21 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves the granite selections for the memorial. Jul 3 - In a public hearing, the NCPC approves the granite selections for the memorial. Aug 27 - Tompkins/Grunley-Walsh begin site preparation work at the memorial's Rainbow Pool site on the National Mall. Construction begins one week later. 2002 Mar 21 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves designs for flagpoles and announcement piers at the ceremonial entrance, and artistic enhancements to the field of gold stars. A proposed announcement stone design was not approved. Apr 4 - In a public hearing, the NCPC approves designs for flagpoles and announcement piers at the ceremonial entrance and an announcement stone at the east memorial plaza, and artistic enhancements to the field of gold stars. Jul 18 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves concepts for 24 bas-relief sculpture panels, and requests that the announcement stone be designed for the ceremonial entrance of the memorial rather than the proposed location on the plaza. Oct 17 ? In a public hearing, the CFA approves the redesigned announcement stone at the ceremonial entrance, and endorses the thematic content of proposed inscriptions but recommends minor adjustments in their presentation. Nov 21 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves inscriptions for the memorial. 2003 Apr 22 - In a public hearing, the CFA approves inscriptions for the memorial. 2004 Apr 29 - The National World War II Memorial opens to the public. May 29 - The National World War II Memorial is formally dedicated in a ceremony that draws 150,000 people. Nov 1 - The memorial becomes part of the National Park System when it is transferred from the American Battle Monuments Commission to the National Park Service, which assumes responsibility for its operations and maintenance. National World War II Memorial Inscriptions The following inscriptions are inscribed in the National World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C. The inscriptions are presented by location. Announcement Stone HERE IN THE PRESENCE OF WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN, ONE THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FATHER AND THE OTHER THE NINETEENTH CENTURY PRESERVER OF OUR NATION, WE HONOR THOSE TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICANS WHO TOOK UP THE STRUGGLE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND MADE THE SACRIFICES TO PERPETUATE THE GIFT OUR FOREFATHERS ENTRUSTED TO US: A NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY AND JUSTICE. Flagpoles AMERICANS CAME TO LIBERATE, NOT TO CONQUER, TO RESTORE FREEDOM AND TO END TYRANNY Eastern Corners PEARL HARBOR DECEMBER 7, 1941, A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY?NO MATTER HOW LONG IT MAY TAKE US TO OVERCOME THIS PREMEDITATED INVASION, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, IN THEIR RIGHTEOUS MIGHT, WILL WIN THROUGH TO ABSOLUTE VICTORY. President Franklin D. Roosevelt THEY HAVE GIVEN THEIR SONS TO THE MILITARY SERVICES. THEY HAVE STOKED THE FURNACES AND HURRIED THE FACTORY WHEELS. THEY HAVE MADE THE PLANES AND WELDED THE TANKS, RIVETED THE SHIPS AND ROLLED THE SHELLS. President Franklin D. Roosevelt WOMEN WHO STEPPED UP WERE MEASURED AS CITIZENS OF THE NATION, NOT AS WOMEN?THIS WAS A PEOPLE?S WAR, AND EVERYONE WAS IN IT. Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby THEY FOUGHT TOGETHER AS BROTHERS-IN-ARMS. THEY DIED TOGETHER AND NOW THEY SLEEP SIDE BY SIDE. TO THEM WE HAVE A SOLEMN OBLIGATION. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Southern Walls BATTLE OF MIDWAY JUNE 4-7, 1942 THEY HAD NO RIGHT TO WIN. YET THEY DID, AND IN DOING SO THEY CHANGED THE COURSE OF A WAR?EVEN AGAINST THE GREATEST OF ODDS, THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE HUMAN SPIRIT ? A MAGIC BLEND OF SKILL, FAITH AND VALOR ? THAT CAN LIFT MEN FROM CERTAIN DEFEAT TO INCREDIBLE VICTORY. Walter Lord, Author THE WAR?S END TODAY THE GUNS ARE SILENT. A GREAT TRAGEDY HAS ENDED. A GREAT VICTORY HAS BEEN WON. THE SKIES NO LONGER RAIN DEATH ? THE SEAS BEAR ONLY COMMERCE ? MEN EVERYWHERE WALK UPRIGHT IN THE SUNLIGHT. THE ENTIRE WORLD IS QUIETLY AT PEACE. General Douglas MacArthur Northern Walls WE ARE DETERMINED THAT BEFORE THE SUN SETS ON THIS TERRIBLE STRUGGLE OUR FLAG WILL BE RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM ON THE ONE HAND AND OF OVERWHELMING FORCE ON THE OTHER. General George C. Marshall D-DAY JUNE 6, 1944 YOU ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK UPON THE GREAT CRUSADE TOWARD WHICH WE HAVE STRIVEN THESE MANY MONTHS. THE EYES OF THE WORLD ARE UPON YOU?I HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR COURAGE, DEVOTION TO DUTY AND SKILL IN BATTLE. General Dwight D. Eisenhower Western Corners OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE REPAID. THEY HAVE EARNED OUR UNDYING GRATITUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES. President Harry S Truman THE HEROISM OF OUR OWN TROOPS?WAS MATCHED BY THAT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE NATIONS THAT FOUGHT BY OUR SIDE?THEY ABSORBED THE BLOWS?AND THEY SHARED TO THE FULL IN THE ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENEMY. President Harry S Truman Southern Fountain Copings CHINA * BURMA * INDIA SOUTHWEST PACIFIC CENTRAL PACIFIC NORTH PACIFIC PEARL HARBOR * WAKE ISLAND * BATAAN CORREGIDOR * CORAL SEA * MIDWAY * GUADALCANAL * NEW GUINEA * BUNA * TARAWA * KWAJALEIN * ATTU * SAIPAN TINIAN GUAM * PHILIPPINE SEA * PELELIU * LEYTE GULF * LUZON * MANILA * IWO JIMA * OKINAWA * JAPAN Northern Fountain Copings NORTH AFRICA SOUTHERN EUROPE WESTERN EUROPE CENTRAL EUROPE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC * MURMANSK RUN * TUNISIA * SICILY SALERNO ANZIO ROME PO VALLEY * NORMANDY * ST.LO * AIR WAR IN EUROPE * ALSACE * RHINELAND * HUERTGEN FOREST * BATTLE OF THE BULGE * REMAGEN BRIDGE * GERMANY Southern and Northern Arches 1941 ? 1945 VICTORY ON LAND VICTORY AT SEA VICTORY IN THE AIR Freedom Wall ? Field of Gold Stars HERE WE MARK THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

Korean War Veterans Memor

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:53:55 -0700

by: David

Description: The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It was dedicated on July 27, 1995. The Memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Services during the three-year period of the Korean War. The war was one of the most hard fought in our history. During its relatively short duration from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, 54,246 Americans died in support of their country. Of these, 8,200 are listed as missing in action or lost or buried at sea. In addition 103,284 were wounded during the conflict. As an integral part of the Memorial, the Korean War Honor Roll was established, honoring those U.S. military personnel who died world-wide during the war. Statues: The nineteen stainless steel statues were sculpted by Frank Gaylord of Barre, VT and cast by Tallix Foundries of Beacon, NY. They are approximately seven feet tall and represent an ethnic cross section of America. The advance party has 14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy and 1 Air Force members. The statues stand in patches of Juniper bushes and are separated by polished granite strips, which give a semblance of order and symbolize the rice paddies of Korea. The troops wear ponchos covering their weapons and equipment. The ponchos seem to blow in the cold winds of Korea. Mural Wall: The Mural Wall was designed by Louis Nelson of New York, NY and fabricated by Cold Spring Granite Company, Cold Spring, MN. The muralist, sculptor and architect worked closely to create a two-dimensional work of art adjacent to the three-dimensional statues. The wall consists of 41 panels extending 164 feet. Over 2,400 photographs of the Korean War were obtained from the National Archives. They were enhanced by computer to give a uniform lighting effect and the desired size. The mural, representing those forces supporting the foot soldier, depicts Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel and their equipment. The etchings are arranged to give a wavy appearance in harmony with the layout of the statues. The reflective quality of the Academy Black Granite creates the image of a total of 38 statues, symbolic of the 38th Parallel and the 38 months of the war. When viewed from afar, it also creates the appearance of the mountain ranges of Korea. Pool of Remembrance: The point of the triangle enclosing the statues reaches into a circular pool approximately 128 feet in diameter. Water is fed into the pool from its bottom and it flows over a stepped weir to give a pleasant rippling sound. Surrounding the pool are 28 Linden trees shaped to create a barrel effect, which will allow the sun to reflect on the pool. Seven benches, located under the trees, provide a place for visitors to rest and reflect on the terrible price the youth of America paid during the war. On the wall that extends into the pool area, written in 10-inch silver letters, is the reminder: FREEDOM IS NOT FREE Honor Roll: A kiosk containing the Korean War Honor Roll stands at the west entrance of the Memorial. It is serviced by a Park ranger, who provides assistance to visitors. The Honor Roll computer contains the names of all military personnel who lost their lives during the Korean War, including the individual's name, service, rank, service number, date of birth, hometown or county of entry into the service, cause of death, date of death and, if the information is furnished to ABMC, the serviceman's unit, awards, circumstances surrounding the death or missing in action and photograph. You may send in information and/or a photograph to the Commission about an individual serviceman who was killed during the war. United Nations' Curb: The curb running along the northern side of the statues contains an alphabetical listing of the 22 nations that participated in the Korean War. Seventeen nations provided combat units and five medical support. Dedication Stone: At the point of the triangle leading to the American flag is the Dedication stone, which reads: OUR NATION HONORS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THEY NEVER MET The memorial was established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, but is administered by the National Park Service.

The American Expeditionar

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:50:11 -0700

by: David

Description: The American Expeditionary (AEF) Forces Memorial, located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, NW in Washington DC, commemorates the two million American military personnel and the Commander in Chief, General John J. Pershing who made up the AEF of World War I. It consists of a stone plaza fifty-two feet by seventy-five feet, an 8-foot statue of General Pershing on a stone pedestal, a stone bench facing the statue and two ten-foot high walls, one along the south side of the memorial area and one along the east. The south wall contains two battle maps with appropriate inscriptions. Inscribed on the reverse side of the east wall is General Pershing's tribute to the officers and men of the AEF: "IN THEIR DEVOTION, THEIR VALOR, AND IN THE LOYAL FULFILLMENT OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS, THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES HAVE LEFT A HERITAGE OF WHOM THOSE WHO FOLLOW MAY EVER BE PROUD." The AEF Memorial was established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, but is now administered by the National Park Service.

Western Pacific - Philipp

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:48:23 -0700

by: David

Description: Western Pacific - Philippines and New Guinea

Central Pacific - Hawaii

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:47:39 -0700

by: David

Description: Central Pacific - Hawaii and Guadalcanal

Italy and Southern France

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:46:53 -0700

by: David

Description: Italy and Southern France

Western France and Englan

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:46:17 -0700

by: David

Description: Western France and England

Eastern France, Belgium,

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:45:06 -0700

by: David

Description: Eastern France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg

Suresnes American Cemeter

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:43:45 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial is located in the suburb of Suresnes five miles west of the center of Paris. It can be reached by automobile, taxicab or suburban trains which depart from Gare St. Lazare to the Suresnes Mont Valerien Station every twenty minutes. From the Suresnes Station it is a ten minute walk to the cemetery. Located high on the slopes of Mont Valerien, the cemetery affords a fine panorama of a large part of Paris. This cemetery, seven and a half acres in extent, contains the graves of 1,541 American military Dead from World War I and twenty-four graves of American Unknown Dead from World War II. Bronze tablets on the walls of the chapel record the names of 974 American Missing or buried or lost at sea in 1917 and 1918. Originally a World War I cemetery, Suresnes now shelters American Dead from both wars. The World War I memorial chapel was enlarged by the addition of two loggias dedicated to the Dead of both wars. In the rooms at the ends of the loggias are white marble figures in memory of those who gave their lives in these two wars. Inscribed on the walls of the loggias is a summary of the loss of life suffered by our Armed Forces during these great conflicts listing the location of all overseas military cemeteries where American Dead are buried. Senior representatives of the American and French Governments assemble at Suresnes Cemetery on ceremonial occasions to honor the memory of the American Dead. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

St. Mihiel American Cemet

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:41:25 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial is located at the west edge of Thiaucourt, France. The cemetery can be reached by automobile from Paris by toll Autoroute A-4. Take the Fresnes-en-Woevre Exit following Route D-904 south to Beney-en-Woevre then D-67 to the cemetery. There is direct rail service from Paris (Gare de l'Est) to Onville. At Metz, Nancy and Verdun, hotel accommodations are available and taxicabs may be hired. This cemetery, forty acres in extent, contains the graves of 4,153 American military Dead from World War I. Most of these gave their lives in the great offensive which resulted in the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient that threatened Paris. The headstones are aligned in long rows and divided into four plots by tree lined walks. At the center of these walks is a large sundial surmounted by an American eagle. To the right (west) end of the walk is a small monument and to the left is a semicircular overlook. Beyond the burial area to the south is a white stone memorial consisting of a small chapel, a peristyle with a large rose granite urn in the center and a museum. The chapel contains a beautiful mosaic portraying an angel sheathing a sword. On the end walls of the museum are recorded the names of 284 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose remains were never recovered or identified. On the wall opposite the door is a large inlaid marble map describing the St. Mihiel Offensive. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Somme American Cemetery

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:40:23 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Somme American Cemetery is located one-half mile southwest of the village of Bony (Aisne), France, which is one and one-half miles west of Highway N-44, thirteen miles north of St. Quentin and fourteen miles southwest of Cambrai. The road leading to Bony leaves Highway N-44 ten miles north of St. Quentin, a short distance north of the Bellicourt American Monument. The cemetery, ninety-eight miles northeast of Paris, can also be reached by automobile via the Paris-Brussels toll Autoroute A-1 to Peronne, then via Vermand and Bellenglise, or Brussels-Reims toll Autoroute A-26 exit 9, via Highway N-44 south for seven and one-half miles to Bony. Hotel accommodations are available at Peronne, St. Quentin and Cambrai, which may be reached by train from Paris (Gare du Nord). This fourteen-acre cemetery, sited on a gentle slope typical of the open, rolling Picardy countryside contains the graves of 1,844 American military Dead. Most lost their lives while serving in American units attached to British Armies or in the operations near Cantigny during World War I. The headstones, set in regular rows, are separated into four plots by paths which intersect at the flagpole near the top of the slope. The longer axis leads to the chapel at the eastern end of the cemetery. A massive bronze door, surmounted by an American eagle, leads the way into the chapel whose outer walls contain sculptured pieces of military equipment. Once inside, light from a cross-shaped crystal window above the marble altar bathes the subdued interior with luminous radiance. The walls bear the names of 333 heroic American Missing in Action who gave their lives in the service of their Country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified. There are three Medal of Honor recipients interred at the cemetery. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Sicily-Rome American Ceme

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:39:15 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is situated at the north edge of the town of Nettuno, Italy. It is just east of Anzio and thirty miles south of Rome. The cemetery can be reached by automobile from Rome along Via Cristoforo Colombo, which runs into Via Pontina (Highway 148). Drive south approximately thirty-seven miles and exit at Campoverde/Nettuno. Turn right to Nettuno and go five and a half miles to the cemetery. There is hourly train service from Rome to Nettuno, where taxicabs can be hired. There are numerous hotels in Anzio and Nettuno. The cemetery site covers seventy-seven acres, rising in a gentle slope from a large pool with an island and cenotaph flanked by groups of cypress trees. Beyond the pool is an immense field of headstones of 7,861 American military Dead arranged in gentle arcs which sweep across the broad green lawns beneath rows of Roman pines. Many of the Dead interred or commemorated here lost their lives in the liberation of Sicily ( July 10 to August 17, 1943); in the landings in the Sabeno Area (September 9, 1943) and in the heavy fighting northward; in the landings at Anzio Beach and expansion of the beachhead (January 22, 1944 to May 1944) and in air and naval support in the regions. At the head of the wide central mall stands the memorial, a building rich in works of art and architecture, expressing America's remembrance of its Dead. It consists of a chapel to the south and a peristyle and a museum to the north. On the white marble walls of the chapel are engraved the names of 3,095 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose remains were never recovered or identified. The museum room contains a bronze relief map and four fresco maps depicting the military operations in Sicily and Italy. At the north end of the memorial is an ornamental garden. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Rhone American Cemetery a

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:38:16 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial is located in the city of Draguignan (Var), France about twenty miles west of Cannes and sixteen miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea. It can be reached from Paris by toll Autoroutes A6/A7/A8 and taking the Le Muy exit onto Highway N-555 to Draguignan. Railroad trains from Cannes, Marseille and Paris stop at St. Raphael, where taxicab and bus services are available to the cemetery twenty miles away. Hotel accommodations in Draguignan are limited, but there are many hotels in St. Raphael, Cannes and other Riviera cities. Draguignan was selected for the cemetery site for its historic location along the route of the U.S. Seventh Army's drive up the Rhone Valley. It was established on August 19, 1944 after the Seventh Army's surprise landing in southern France. Within this cemetery, twelve acres in extent and located at the foot of a hill clad with characteristic cypresses, olive trees and oleanders of southern France, rest 861 American military Dead. Their headstones are arranged in straight lines and divided into four plots grouped about an oval pool. At the end of the crosswalks is a small garden. On the hillside overlooking the burial area is the chapel with its large sculptured figure and decorative mosaic within. Between the chapel and the burial area is a great bronze relief map recalling the military operations in the region. On the retaining wall of the terrace are inscribed the names of 294 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Oise-Aisne American Cemet

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:37:14 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial lies one and a half miles east of Fere-en-Tardenois (Aisne), France and about fourteen miles northeast of Chateau-Thierry. It may be reached from Paris by automobile by taking toll Autoroute A-4 forty-nine miles to the Chateau-Thierry Exit, turn left onto Highway D-1 to Fere-en-Tardenois about twelve miles. Hotels are available in Chateau-Thierry, Reims (27 miles) and Soissons (18 miles). There is railroad service to each of these cities, where taxicabs may be hired. At this cemetery site of thirty-six acres, beneath the broad lawn surrounded by stately trees and shrubbery, rest 6,012 Americans who died while fighting in this vicinity during World War I. Their headstones are aligned in long rows and rise in a gentle slope from the entrance at the far end. The burial area is divided into four plots by wide paths lined by trees and beds or roses. At the intersection of the paths is a circular plaza and flagpole. The memorial is a curving colonnade, flanked at the ends by a chapel and a map room. It is built of rose colored sandstone with white trim bearing the sculptured details of wartime equipment. The chapel contains an altar of carved stone. Engraved upon its walls are the names of 241 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose remains were never recovered. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

North Africa American Cem

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:36:12 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial is located in close proximity to the site of the ancient city of Carthage, Tunisia which was destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C. and lies over part of the site of Roman Carthage. It is near the present town of Carthage and ten miles from Tunis and five miles from the airport. The La Marsa Railroad runs from the center of Tunis to the Amilcar Station, a five minute walk to the cemetery. Taxicabs are available in Tunis and at the airport. There are good hotel accommodations in Tunis as well as in the vicinity of the cemetery at Carthage, Amilcar and Gammarth. At this cemetery, twenty-seven acres in extent, rest 2,841 American military Dead. Their headstones are set in straight lines and subdivided into nine rectangular plots by wide paths with decorative pools at their intersections. Along the southeast edge of the burial area is a long Wall of the Missing with its sculptured figures and bordering tree lined terrace leading to the memorial. On this wall are engraved the names of 3,724 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country in military activities ranging from North Africa to the Persian Gulf during World War II. The chapel and the memorial court, which contains large maps in mosaic and ceramic depicting the operations and supply activities of American Armed Forces across Africa to the Persian Gulf, were designed to harmonize with the local architecture. The chapel interior is decorated with polished marble, flags and sculpture. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Normandy American Cemeter

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:34:59 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is situated on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel in Colleville-sur Mer, France. It is just east of St. Laurent-sur-Mer and northwest of Bayeux about one hundred and seventy miles west of Paris. The cemetery may be reached from Paris by automobile via Highway A-13 to Caen, then Highway N-13 through Bayeux to Formigny, then following D-517 to St. Laurent-sur-Mer and D-514 to Colleville-sur-Mer. A large stone directional sign designates the cemetery entrance. There is regular rail service between Paris (Gare St. Lazare) and Bayeux, where taxicabs and tour bus service are available. Travel by rail takes three hours. Hotels are available in Bayeux and Port-en-Bessin. The cemetery is located on the site of the temporary American St. Laurent Cemetery, established by the U.S. First Army on June 8, 1944, the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. The cemetery is at the north end of its one half mile access road and covers one hundred and seventy-two acres. It contains the graves of 9,387 American military Dead, most of whom gave their lives during the landings and ensuing operations of World War II. On the walls of the semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial are inscribed the names of 1,557 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country, but whose remains were not located or identified. The memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing maps and narratives of the military operations. At the center is a bronze statue titled, "Spirit of American Youth." An orientation table overlooks the beach and depicts the landings at Normandy. Facing west at the memorial, one sees in the foreground the reflecting pool, the mall with burial areas to either side and the circular chapel beyond. Behind the chapel are statues representing the United States and France. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Netherlands American Ceme

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:30:25 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is the only cemetery in the Netherlands. It lies in the village of Margraten six miles east of Maastricht. Maastricht can be reached by train from Paris (Gare du Nord) via Liege, any city in Holland or from Germany via Aachen. Bus service to the cemetery runs from the Maastricht Railroad Station. The Maastricht Airport is five miles to the north. Taxicabs are available. The cemetery's site has a rich historical background, lying near the famous Cologne-Boulogne highway, originally built by the Romans and used by Caesar during his campaign in that area. The highway was also used by Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, Hitler's legions advanced over the route of the old Roman highway, overwhelming the Low Countries. In September 1944, German troops once more used the highway for the withdrawal from the countries occupied for four years. The tall memorial tower can be seen before reaching the cemetery which covers sixty-five acres. From the cemetery entrance the visitor approaches through the Court of Honor with its pool reflecting the chapel tower. The visitors' building is on the right and the museum with its three engraved operations maps describing the achievements of the American Armed Forces in the area during World War II is on the left. At the base of the tower facing the reflecting pool is a statue representing the grieving mother of her lost son. The walls on either side of the Court of Honor contain the Tablets of the Missing on which are recorded the names of 1,723 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. Beyond the chapel and tower is the burial area which is divided into sixteen plots. Here rest 8,301 American Dead, most of whom lost their lives nearby. Their headstones are set in long curves. A wide tree-lined mall leads to the flag staff which crowns the crest. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Mexico City National Ceme

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:27:24 -0700

by: David

Description: The Mexico City National Cemetery is located at 31 Virginia Fabregas, Colonia San Rafael, Mexico City, Mexico. It is about two miles west of the Metropolitan Cathedral and about one mile north of the United States Embassy. The cemetery was established in 1851 by Congress to gather the American Dead of the Mexican War that lay in the nearby fields and to provide burial space for Americans that died in the vicinity. A total of 750 unknown American soldiers were gathered and buried in a common grave at the cemetery. A small monument was placed over them that carries the inscription: TO THE HONORED MEMORY OF 750 AMERICANS KNOWN BUT TO GOD WHOSE BONES COLLECTED BY THEIR COUNTRY'S ORDER ARE HERE BURIED In this one acre area are also placed 813 remains of Americans and others in wall crypts on either side of the cemetery. The cemetery was closed for further burials in 1923. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Meuse-Argonne American Ce

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:25:49 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War I Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial is located east of the village of Romagne-sous-Montfaucon (Meuse), France and about twenty-six miles northwest of Verdun. It may be reached by automobile from Paris via toll Autoroute A-4 or Highway N-3 to Ste. Menehould, about one hundred and fifty-two miles. Follow Highway N-3 to Clermont-en-Argonne, then via Varennes-en-Argonne about nineteen miles to the cemetery. It may also be reached from Verdun via Consenvoye or Dun-sur-Meuse, a distance of about twenty-seven miles. Rail service from Paris (Gare de l'Est) to Verdun takes about three and a half hours. Hotels and taxis are available at Verdun. Meuse-Argonne, covering one hundred and thirty acres, holds the largest number of American Dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here gave their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I. The immense array of headstones rises in rectangular rows upwards beyond a wide central pool to the chapel which crowns a ridge. A beautiful bronze screen separates the chapel foyer from the interior, which is decorated with stained glass windows portraying American unit insignia. Behind the altar are the flags of the Allied nations. On either side of the chapel are memorial loggias. One panel of the west loggia contains a map of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Inscribed on the remaining panels are the names of the 954 American Missing whose remains were never recovered or identified to include those Missing during our expedition to northern Russia during 1918-1919. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Manila American Cemetery

David — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:24:44 -0700

by: David

Description: The World War II Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is located about six miles southeast of Manila, Republic of the Philippines within the limits of Fort Bonifacio, the former U.S. Army Fort William McKinley. It can be reached easily from the city by taxicab. The cemetery, one hundred and fifty-two acres in extent, is on a prominent plateau, visible at a distance from the east, south and west. It contains the largest number of graves of our military Dead of World War II, a total of 17,206, most of whom gave their lives in the operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. The headstones are aligned in eleven plots forming a generally circular pattern, set among masses of a wide variety of tropical trees and shrubbery. The chapel, a tall stone structure enriched with sculpture and mosaic, stands near the center of the cemetery. In front of it on a wide terrace are two large hemicycles with rooms at each end. Twenty-five large mosaic maps in these four rooms recall the achievements of the American Armed Forces in the Pacific, China, India and Burma. On rectangular Trani limestone piers within the hemicycles are inscribed the names of 36,282 of the Missing who gave their lives in the service of America and who rest in unknown graves. Carved in the floors are the seals of the American states and its territories. From the memorial and other points within the cemetery there are impressive views over the lowlands to Laguna de Bay and towards the distant mountains. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.