National World War II Memorial Dedication [May 29, 2004]
Ticket Information - Update
Construction of the National World War II Memorial continues to progress toward completion in March 2004.
Efforts are increasingly being focused on planning the official Tribute to a Generation dedication celebrations that will take place from May 27 - 30, 2004.
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Due to overwhelming demand for tickets to the Memorial Dedication events, the number of requests received exceeds the number of seats available for both the Dedication Ceremony [Saturday, May 29, 2:00 p.m.] on the National Mall and all three musical Salute To Veterans shows at the MCI Center [May 28 and 29]. For the Salute to Veterans shows, ticket requests are no longer being accepted. Demand has far exceeded the seats available, so an extensive wait-list already exists. Ticket requests for the Dedication Ceremony are being placed on a wait-list should tickets become available in the coming months. Everyone is invited to submit a wait-list request by using the form found on the WWII web site at: http://www.wwiimemorial.com [Click on DEDICATION; then TICKETS]Or call 800-639-4992.You will be notified by mail no later than March 30, 2004 if your request can be fulfilled. |
Note: The above are non-American Legion events.
Dedication Ceremony:
The memorial will be dedicated on Saturday afternoon, May 29, at 2 p.m. Gates will open at 11 a.m. Two hours of lively pre-ceremony entertainment beginning at noon will take attendees back to the wartime era through music, video images, newsreel clips, and reminiscences of the time. Big band and swing music will be highlighted along with a patriotic finale. Musical groups from the armed forces will entertain.
American Legion Events:
National Candlelight Walk (Friday, May 28, 2004 – Onsite registration 5-7 p.m.; walk & ceremony 7-9 p.m.)
The purpose of the walk is twofold: to honor those individuals who served our country during World War II and to care for the legacy they fought to ensure – our nation’s children. The registration fee for this event is $25 with all proceeds benefiting The American Legion Children Charities (Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, American legion Child Welfare Foundation, American Legion Endowment Fund, National Emergency Fund and the American Legacy Scholarship). Advance registration forms can be obtained through the Americanism and Children & Youth Division in Indianapolis, Indiana (317) 630-1202, or downloaded by accessing our WWII National Dedication site on the Legion’s homepage. A brief ceremony will follow the walk.
National Dedication Day Prayer Breakfast (Saturday, May 29, 2004 – 8 a.m.)
The prayer breakfast is an opportunity for a Legion family gathering with focus on the weekend’s Memorial Day activities. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance from National Headquarters. Cost is $25 per person. The availability of tickets is severely limited by the size of the breakfast facility.
VIP Reception (Saturday, May 29, 2004 – 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
This reception, hosted by National Commander John A. Brieden, is open to Legion family members by invitation. Tickets are $40 per person. Various appetizers and selected beverages will be available. The purpose of this reception is to recognize and say thanks to our World War II participants for their service and commitment.
Hospitality Tent (Saturday, May 29, 2004 – 9 a.m.)
The American Legion will sponsor a hospitality tent in the vicinity of the south entrance to the Dedication grounds (near Independence Ave and 17th). It will be near the shuttle bus dismount point. Tent is available for Legion family members to relax prior to or during the Dedication Ceremony. There will be a large screen TV in the tent to view the Dedication. Tent will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Community Events:
Many members of the WWII generation will not be able to make the trip to Washington for the dedication. Organizations and communities across the country are encouraged to schedule local events and activities that pay tribute to the generation in conjunction with the dedication ceremony on the Mall. Satellite coordinates will be provided so a simulcast viewing of the ceremony can be included in local celebrations.