UAVets represented at dedication of World War II National Memorial (08/15/04)

UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS: Active in our communities

UAVets represented at dedication of World War II National Memorial

by Anna Krawczuk
UAV National Vice-Commander

WASHINGTON - The sun smiled at hundreds of thousands of Americans who came to pay tribute to veterans and attend the dedication ceremonies of the World War II National Memorial on May 29. Ukrainian American Veterans Inc. were represented by Dorothy Budacki, UAV national chaplain and a World War II honoree; Anna Krawczuk, UAV national vice commander; and UAV Post 30 Commander Bernard W. Krawczuk. Dorothy's daughter Denise Duke, recently retired from the U.S. Navy, and Orysia Stefaniw from Williamsburg, Va., made the representation complete. The group was fortunate to be among the 117,000 tickets holders for the seating sections on the National Mall.

The program started at 11 a.m. with the dedication scheduled for 2 p.m.

The tribute program began with images, song and dance performances from that era that were also displayed on large screens throughout the mall for everyone to see. This was followed by the United States Postal Service First Day of Issue Stamp Dedication by John E. Potter, postmaster general and chief executive officer of the U.S. Postal Service.

Opening remarks were made by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, member of Congress, who was the pivotal force behind the idea of the memorial. The official ceremony started with the presentation of state flags and an invocation by Archbishop Philip M. Hannan (World War II chaplain) followed by welcoming remarks by Gen. P. X. Kelley U.S. Marine Corps (ret), chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Brief remarks were made by Tom Brokaw, Tom Hanks, Frederick W. Smith and Sen. Bob Dole.

The presentation of the World War II Memorial to the nation was made by Gen. Kelley, which was followed by remarks by President George W. Bush. Also participating in the program were military bands and the U.S. Army Chorus, which closed the ceremonies with "God Bless America." The benediction was by Dr. Barry C. Black, chaplain of the U.S. Senate, and the Blue Angels gave the final salute by flying overheard.

It was indeed a very moving tribute to over 400,000 soldiers who gave their lives for liberty and justice in the world. It was also a tribute to 16 million who served in uniform, and millions of civilians who worked at home. As Mr. Brokaw wrote, it was a tribute to "The Greatest Generation."

Among the tents set up on the mall, it was evident that the World War II reunion tent was the most popular. Many veterans left notes on the bulletin board; others remembered the moments of the long time ago; still others rejoiced at meeting up with old comrades.

The Veterans History Project tent also had many visitors. Since its inception in 2002, the project has received over 20,000 oral histories. There were many high school volunteers throughout the mall interviewing veterans, just shaking their hands and expressing thanks for their service, or giving out thank-you notes.

The World War II National Memorial was re-opened at 7 p.m. and thousands of visitors streamed to it. It was a very moving sight to behold the monument bathed in lights in the evening.

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