Remembering a Memorial Forgotten

Remembering a Memorial Forgotten
2009 January 26by thurdl01 in History, United States of America

The District of Columbia War Memorial

It sits on one side of the massive reflecting pool that separates the Lincoln Memorial from the Washington Monument. As you’re walking from the sixteenth to first presidents, it’s on the right hand side, beyond the ghostly images of the Korean Memorial and the small Park Police outpost where they stable their horses. It’s set back into the trees that line the Reflecting Pool, just a little rotunda on the less traveled side of the Mall, easy for even someone who’s looking for it to overlook it entirely. Officially it’s the District of Columbia World War Memorial. Unofficially, it’s the closest thing the Mall has to a World War I memorial.

In 1917, the United States went to war in a way it never had before. For the first time, the United States went to war to defend nations other than itself. Previously, the wars that the United States fought were all for its own direct interest. We were fighting for independence, we were fighting intervention, we were fighting to hold together the nation, or we were fighting to let the Western Hemisphere govern itself. World War I marked a turning point, fighting wars abroad in the name of preserve and expanding freedom. One can argue the individual merits of each war, but United States men and women fought them, and died in them. The three wars that followed World War I all have a prominent place on the Mall. World War II got the last major place of honor on the Mall, down at the feet of the Washington Monument. Vietnam has its black gash of a wall listing the names of the dead. Korea has its wall of ghostly faces and platoon of statues.


From up close, it becomes more apparent that the Memorial is in need of a good cleaning.World War I has only an unofficial memorial, dedicated only to commemorate those citizens of the District of Columbia who fought and died in the trenches of Europe.

The Memorial itself was authorized in 1924 and dedicated in 1931, hence why it refers to The World War, as it was constructed in a period when it was not yet known what new horrors were in store. The design is a simple one, a marble rotunda supported by twelve columns. Stairs on either side let the visitor climb inside the memorial, which could comfortably house no more than a dozen people. Around the base are inscribed the names of those District residents who died in the War, and within the corner stone is held the names of those who fought and came home. 26,000 fought. 499 died. This is but a mere fraction of the American toll of the war which claimed nearly 118,000 lives. I know this is an international blog, and that the American toll is a mere fraction of the nearly 10 million Allied dead and 16.5 million lives that the war would ultimately claim, but these 118,000 dead also represent a greater loss of life than Korea and Vietnam combined, and more lives claimed by any conflict America was involved with, save for the Civil War and World War II.

A pair of paths lead to the Memorial, slate flagstones. Many are chipped, a few are broken, and one or two are missing entirely. The marble is stained, and needs a good cleaning. Around the Memorial, remembrances have been left by those who know where to find it, white roses and poppies. The interpretive signs on either side are cracked and showing their age. It is a site that, in spite of its prominent location, is slowly slipping into complete obscurity.


A lone white rose left as a remembrance

So what makes this an actual news story, rather than just ramblings bemoaning a forgotten memorial? In the initial splurge of bills introduced to the new Congress is one by Rep Ted Poe, a Republican representing the 2nd District of Texas. The bill (HR 482, full text) calls for the Memorial to be renovated, expanded, and rededicated as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial. Obviously there are many more important issues that face the Congress right now, but I for one am cheering for this little bill to make its way through, to help fix up a sadly overlooked spot on the Mall and providing fitting tribute to those who fought and those who died in a war that really reshaped what it was to be the United States of America.

Frank Woodruff Buckles Last US WWI Veteran

Thank-you for your interest in my story as America's last World War One Survivor. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers and am humbled to be the representative of nearly 5 million Americans who served with me. I receive many requests for interviews and correspondence and at 108 I do my best to respond as quickly as I can.


92 years ago I was stationed in France to serve the United States of America when I heard the news that the war had ended. 92 years have passed and there is still not a memorial to our service in our Nations capitol- Washington, DC.


116,561 Americans died during WWI. It is my last hope and my desire that there will be a monument so that our sacrifice will not be forgotten. If you wish to thank me please write your congressmen and ask them to support HR 482 by Congressmen Ted Poe. For more information please visit www.WWIMEMORIAL.ORG.


Patriotically yours,


Frank Woodruff Buckles

Presidential Memorial Certificates

Important Notice Concerning Presidential Signatures



A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans.
History
This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents. Statutory authority for the program is Section 112, Title 38, of the United States Code.

Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program by preparing the certificates which bear the current President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service in the United States Armed Forces.

Eligibility
Eligible recipients include the next of kin and loved ones of honorably discharged deceased veterans. More than one certificate may be provided.

Application
Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a PMC in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail or toll-free fax. Requests cannot be sent via email. Please be sure to enclose a copy of the veteran's discharge and death certificate to verify eligibility, as we cannot process any request without proof of honorable military service. Please submit copies only, as we will not return original documents.


If you would like to apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate, or if you requested one more than eight (8) weeks ago and have not received it yet, we ask that you complete the application and submit it to us.


VA Form 40-0247 Application for Presidential Memorial Certificate




Instructions for Ordering a PMC Using Our Toll Free Fax Line


If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request you have already sent in, or about the program in general, please use the "Contact the VA" link below.


Veteran Service Officers and Funeral Homes - If you have questions or would like an application form sent to you by e-mail, please contact us at pmc@va.gov.
We do not administer other VA programs or have access to other VA records. For assistance with other VA benefits or records please use the “Contact the VA” link below. Or call your Regional office at:
1-800-827-1000

Vets can now salute the flag!

For years, Veterans have wanted to salute the U.S. flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem instead of just placing their hand over their heart. Now they can. A Congressional Amendment sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 specifically states that “members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.” Veterans can salute the flag during the National Anthem as well as during “the hoisting, lowering and passing of the flag.” “The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service,” said Inhofe. “Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The U.S. Code is now consistent for Veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military salute.”
The lawThe exact wording of the law is as follows:
PUBLIC LAW 110–181—JAN. 28, 2008
122 STAT. 139 SEC. 594.
CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG.
Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking “all persons present” and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: “all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.”
“Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.”This law was amended to address other parts of the United States Code that were inadvertently not amended by the above legislation; the amendment reads:
122 STAT. 4476 PUBLIC LAW 110–417—OCT. 14, 2008 SEC. 595.
MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
“(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
“(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
“(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and”.
A discussion of this law and its amendments can be found on The Daily Flag website.
years, Veterans have wanted to salute the U.S. flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem instead of just placing their hand over their heart. Now they can. A Congressional Amendment sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 specifically states that “members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.” Veterans can salute the flag during the National Anthem as well as during “the hoisting, lowering and passing of the flag.” “The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service,” said Inhofe. “Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The U.S. Code is now consistent for Veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military salute.”

The lawThe exact wording of the law is as follows:
PUBLIC LAW 110–181—JAN. 28, 2008
122 STAT. 139 SEC. 594.

CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG.

Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking “all persons present” and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: “all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.”
“Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.”This law was amended to address other parts of the United States Code that were inadvertently not amended by the above legislation; the amendment reads:
122 STAT. 4476 PUBLIC LAW 110–417—OCT. 14, 2008 SEC. 595.
MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
“(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
“(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
“(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and”.
A discussion of this law and its amendments can be found on The Daily Flag website.

National Cemetery Facts JAN 09

Facts About the
National Cemetery Administration
MISSION
The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service to our Nation.
NCA STATISTICS
• NCA currently maintains more than 2.9 million gravesites at 128 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, as well as in 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites.
• Approximately 295,600 full-casket gravesites, 90,200 in-ground gravesites for cremated remains, and 75,200 columbarium niches are available in already developed acreage in our 128 national cemeteries.
• There are approximately 17,300 acres within established installations in NCA. Nearly half are undeveloped and—with available gravesites in developed acreage—have the potential to provide approximately 4.7 million gravesites.
• Of the 128 national cemeteries, 68 are open to all interments; 20 can accommodate
cremated remains and the remains of family members for interment in the same gravesite as a previously deceased family member; and 40 will perform only interments of family members in the same gravesite as a previously deceased family member.
• Since 1973, annual interments in VA national cemeteries have increased by more than 184 percent, from 36,400 to nearly 103,300 in fiscal year 2008. Interments are expected to increase annually until the year 2013.
• Of the 103,300 interments conducted in fiscal year 2008, 68.9 percent were in the 20 busiest national cemeteries: Riverside, Calif.; Florida; Calverton, N.Y.; Fort Snelling, Minn.; Jefferson Barracks, Mo; Willamette, Ore.; Fort Logan, Col.; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas; National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona; Houston, Texas; Tahoma, Wash.; Fort Rosecrans, Calif.; Abraham Lincoln, Ill.; Massachusetts; Great Lakes, Mich.; Ohio Western Reserve; Long Island, N.Y.; Indiantown Gap, Pa.; and Sacramento Valley, Calif.
• As of Sept. 30, 2008, 7 national cemeteries each contained more than 100,000 occupied gravesites, collectively accounting for 37 percent of all NCA gravesites maintained: Long Island, N.Y.; Calverton, N.Y.; Riverside, Calif.; Fort Snelling, Minn.; Jefferson Barracks, Mo; Golden Gate, Calif.; Willamette, Ore.
• Largest National Cemetery: Calverton, N.Y. 1,045 acres.
• Smallest National Cemetery: Hampton VAMC, Va. 0.03 acres.
• Oldest National Cemetery: 14 established in 1862 (12 are currently maintained by VA).
• Newest National Cemetery: Sarasota National Cemetery on January 9, 2009.
• Since 1973, NCA has furnished more than 10.3 million headstones and markers. In fiscal year 2008, NCA furnished more than 361,200 headstones and markers.
• NCA provided more than 511,300 Presidential Memorial Certificates to the loved ones of deceased veterans in fiscal year 2008.
• Since 1980, NCA’s State Cemetery Grants Program has obligated more than $344 million to 38 states, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of 72 state veterans cemeteries. In fiscal year 2008, NCAsupported state cemeteries provided more than 25,000 interments.
• Volunteers donated approximately 482,000 hours at national cemeteries during fiscal year 2008.
• Approximately 7.7 million people visited VA national cemeteries in fiscal year 2008.
• In 1999 and 2003, Congress passed two laws directing VA to establish 12 new national cemeteries. One has been opened in Oklahoma, one in Pennsylvania, one in Michigan, one in Georgia, one in South Carolina, one in California and three in Florida. The rest—one in Alabama, one in California and one in Pennsylvania—will be located near large populations of veterans who currently do not have access to a burial option.
VETERAN STATISTICS
• VA estimates that 654,000 veterans in the U.S. and Puerto Rico died in 2008. Approximately 13 percent of U.S. veterans choose to be buried in a national or state veterans cemetery in FY 2008. As new national and state veterans cemeteries open, this percentage is expected to increase.

January 2009