WWII memorial

On May 29, the formal dedication will be held for the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The new memorial has already opened to visitors some 60 years after some of the most crucial battles in the war.

Only 4 million of the 16 million veterans of World War II are still alive. But for them the memorial is a national salute to their service and their contributions to world peace.

World War II was fought by what has been called America's greatest generation. It was fought at a time when American values -- national values, work ethics, family values, religious instruction and moral concepts -- were far more stable than similar values today.

More than that, World War II was a worldwide victory for freedom and democracy. It was a war whose end came as a decisive victory. When soldiers come home from that world war, they were regarded as heroes. And World War II veterans found jobs, started businesses, bought homes and contributed in ways that gave the United States world prominence.

The new memorial is a fitting tribute to those who served and helped create the foundation of freedom our nation enjoys today.