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New Landmark Honors
World War II Veterans

(NAPSA)-Seats to the dedication of the National World War II Memorial have been snapped up by more than 100,000 members of the World War II generation and their families, who will welcome America’s newest national landmark in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 2004.

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), organizer of the event, has already received more ticket requests than the 106,000 seats the dedication ceremony grounds on the National Mall can accommodate. Ticket requests also far exceed the seats available for performances of a “Salute to World War II Veterans” in D.C.’s downtown arena.

“The strong response is a testament to the significance this memorial holds to those who served this country here and abroad,” said General P. X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), ABMC chairman.

For those who do not receive tickets because of the overwhelming demand, ABMC is working to identify non-ticketed, standing room-only viewing areas. And there are ways to participate in the dedication and tribute to the World War II generation without traveling to the nation’s capital.

A number of veteran service organizations are expected to sponsor events in cities around the country to commemorate the dedication. At these local events, veterans and families will gather to watch this historic occasion live via satellite. In addition, ABMC expects the dedication to be broadcast live via C-SPAN and other cable television networks.

The Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation will broaden the tribute beyond the formal dedication by inviting visitors to the nation’s capital during the summer of 2004 to visit the memorial and take advantage of expansive WWII-themed programming.

The memorial dedication kicks off America Celebrates the Greatest Generation, Washington, D.C.’s unprecedented 100-day collaboration among the city's cultural, historic and hospitality venues. More than 80 World War II-themed exhibitions, performances, walking tours and hotel packages are planned from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Scheduled events include photo exhibits at Union Station and the Marine Corps Museum and Historical Center, art exhibits at the Corcoran Gallery and more.

For more information, you can visit www.wwiimemorial.com and www.washington.org/
americacelebrates.