WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2002 - The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural
Resources Committee today approved legislation to establish a Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Education Center on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.,
announced Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president, Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Fund.
"Today's vote by the Energy Committee is a significant step forward in our
ultimate goal of providing an enhanced, on-site learning experience for the
millions of students who visit the Memorial each year," Scruggs said. "We
are optimistic that the U.S. Senate will continue this momentum and pass the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Act in the near future."
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) introduced the legislation with his three fellow
Vietnam combat veterans in the Senate and the Senate Majority Leader:
Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Max Cleland (D-GA), John Kerry (D-MA) and Tom
Daschle (D-SD). Congressmen J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK), John Murtha (D-PA) and
David Bonior (D-MI) have introduced identical legislation in the House of
Representatives.
"The Memorial Fund is grateful to the many Senators - specifically Sens.
Hagel, McCain, Cleland, Kerry and Daschle - whose undying commitment and
dedication to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center has never
wavered. They are true American patriots," Scruggs said.
Located within the Memorial's three-acre site, the Education Center will
feature historic photographs and interactive displays that will provide
young Americans with a better understanding of service and sacrifice and the
human toll of war. The facility will be privately funded through the support
of individuals, corporations and foundations.
"The Vietnam War was one of the defining events in modern American history.
It is important that students learn more than just the dates and facts of
the war," Sen. Hagel said. "This education center will help students have a
greater understanding that someone just like them, from another generation,
may have served or lost a loved one in the war. They will have experienced
the emotions evoked when a veteran visits The Wall for the first time and
touches the name of a fallen comrade. And hopefully, they will walk away
with an appreciation for all who have served and who do serve in America's
Armed Forces."
Added Hagel: "I suspect that many members of the U.S. Senate are familiar
with a name on The Wall, or know a family who lost a loved one in Vietnam.
However, students who visit the Memorial today were born long after the
Vietnam War. The Education Center is a relevant tool that will help them
learn the context of the war and the history of the most visited memorial in
Washington, D.C."
The Education Center has received support from a wide array of prominent
Americans and veterans organizations including Presidents George H.W. Bush,
Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. In
February 2002, the project received a letter of support from National Park
Service Director Fran P. Mainella, supporting an "underground solution." The
underground facility came about as the result of lengthy negotiations after
Senate hearings in July 2001.
Dedicated on November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built to
honor all who served with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. It
has become an international symbol of healing that has helped bring together
those who stood on different sides during one of the most divisive periods
in American history. Throughout this year, the Memorial Fund is
commemorating The Wall's 20th Anniversary, which culminates with several
special events and ceremonies between November 6-11, 2002.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Source: Bob Pries (Thanks, Bob!)
