CELEBRATING THE VICTORY
November 6th, 2009 | 11:02 am
I’m in New Orleans today on behalf of the Monuments Men and the Monuments Men Foundation at the dedication ceremony of the new expansion space of the National World War ll Museum. Hosts Tom Brokaw and Tom Hanks are among thousands of others here honoring the sacrifice of so many millions of Americans who experienced—and won—the greatest war in history. As many of the speakers have commented, we can never thank them enough. As the son of a World War ll veteran of the Pacific, an 18 year old marine at the time, I know firsthand the truth of this sentiment.
Last evening I attended a black tie dinner at which Tom Brokaw made moving remarks about how important this Museum has become in his life. He said that writing his book, The Greatest Generation, was the most meaningful and important achievement of his professional career. Don’t I know…I feel the same about my role in working with the Monuments Men. It is an honor, a privilege.
Today we witnessed many beautiful scenes such as the entry of the color guard, and even more moving, the entry parade of the World War ll veterans, grouped by service–first the Army, then Marines, Navy, Army Air Corp, and Coast Guard. 16 members of the Tuskegee Air Corps are present. Medal recipients abound. It is so humbling to be in the presence of all these great heroes.
