WWII MEMORIAL DESERVES NATION'S SUPPORT

The landing at Normandy Beach lives forever in the memories of those veterans who survived it. In 1999, the award-winning movie "Saving Private Ryan" brought those graphic scenes to a whole new generation, many of whom were unfamiliar with World War II.

The effort to honor those men and women who served in World War II with a national memorial in Washington, D.C., has been under way since the early 1990s. Congress passed legislation in 1993 to establish the memorial. In the nation's capitol there already are memorials for the Korean and Vietnam Wars and World War I.

The World War II memorial is a worthy cause. The men and women of that war fought to ensure the freedoms of America and our allies. It wasn't an easy victory. More than 400,000 Americans lost their lives during the war, and countless others were injured. Most every American alive during the war was affected by shortages of goods and services.

This memorial will honor all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms.

An effort is under way across America to raise $100 million to build the memorial. The effort has been well-received, with $85 million already raised. Money has flowed in across the nation from corporations, foundations, schools, groups, individuals and even some states. Local businesses and groups have contributed too.

National organizers say there is good reason to build the memorial now. Of the 16 million who served in uniform during the war, fewer than 7 million are still living. Their numbers are dwindling. About 1,000 World War II veterans die each day, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, which has joined the fund-raising campaign.

The memorial will be built on 7.4 acres at the National Mall at the east end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The memorial will feature two large arches and a series of stone pillars representing each state and territory of the nation at the time of the war.

Those interesting in donating to the World War II memorial can do so by calling the American Battle Monuments Commission at 1-800-639-4WW2 or Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel in Cape Girardeau at 335-3223. You can also learn more about the project at www.wwiimemorial.com and even donate online.

Supporting this memorial seems a fitting way to observe Memorial Day, which is just around the corner.