|
Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-245-4676 Contact: Holly Rotondi, 202-675-2017
Washington - The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will pay tribute to the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during WWII during a special Memorial Day Observance at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, May 25, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. As part of the commemoration, a dozen World War II veterans will lay wreaths at the Freedom Wall in remembrance of their fallen brothers and sisters. The ceremony will feature musical performances by Grammy Award-nominated songwriter Bob Regan and 16 students visiting from Collège Elie Faure in Ste Foy la Grande, Southwestern France. Mr. Regan will be performing his song "The Last Monday in May," a song about Memorial Day written in collaboration with veterans. The 16 French students, who are part of a remembrance school program meant to honor the American veterans who fought in France during WWII, will sing "O'America" for our veterans and other special guests. Friends chairman Josiah Bunting III will speak on behalf of the Friends. Sean Kennealy, acting deputy superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, will speak on behalf of the National Park Service. Chaplain (Captain) Joe Brankatelli will provide the invocation. The United States Army Band will play throughout the ceremony. The ceremony will begin with the posting of colors by the Military District of Washington's Armed Forces Color Guard and, following remarks and wreath layings, will conclude with the playing of Taps. Additionally, "America's Freedom Bell" will be on display at the World War II Memorial throughout the Memorial Day weekend. America's Freedom Bell, sponsored by the Spirit of Liberty Foundation, is a symbol of patriotism and pride for our nation's armed forces. The bell has the five official seals from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order in which they were founded circling the bell. The bell also contains metal from the World Trade Center. Everyone who visits the World War II Memorial over the Memorial Day weekend will be invited to ring the bell in honor of a family member or friend who has or is serving or just to say thank you to our armed forces. |
Last updated: May 19, 2015