National World War II Memorial: Washington, D.C.

CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION:

Below is the full text of the remarks made by Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon in the U.S. House of Representatives, regarding Valley Bronze and Stewart Springs, Ltd., on Thursday, May 9, 2002. 

HON. GREG WALDEN OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, May 9, 2002 Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. 

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the men and women of Valley Bronze and Stewart Springs, Ltd. for their success in receiving the contract to adorn the World War II monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Valley Bronze is a foundry located in Joseph, Oregon in Wallowa County in my congressional district, a pristine sliver of the United States whose citizens live and breathe the heritage of the American West. 

The successful bid award to participate in the construction of the World War II memorial was the product of a creative collaboration between David and Christine Jackman, the owners of Valley Bronze, and Janelle Stewart, the owner of Stewart Springs, Ltd., a drafting company also located in Joseph. 

When it is complete, the ``Freedom Wall'' of the World War II memorial will feature 4,123 gold-plated stars cast by Valley Bronze, each of which will represent 100 American lives lost in the service of our nation during that terrible conflict. Fifty-six pillars will surround the memorial to represent every American state and territory, each of which will be decorated with bronze wreaths made in Joseph. Anchoring the flagpoles at the ceremonial entrance to the monument will be pedestals made by Valley Bronze, and monumental bas relief medallions representing the ``victory medallions'' given to World War II veterans will be embedded in the floor of the archways at each end of the memorial. Finally, four water fountains and 900 feet of decorative drainage grate will encircle the monument. I have no doubt, Mr. Speaker, that each of the decorations that will adorn the memorial will be cast with the care and precision to befit a monument in honor of America's patriot dead. 

Mr. Speaker, awarding this bid to Valley Bronze is a reflection of the beauty of their work and the quality of their craftsmanship. It is fitting that the materials to build this monument to our nation's heroes will be brought together from across the American continent, just as America's sons and daughters came from cities and towns across this great land to answer their nation's call. 

The national monument to the veterans of World War II will stand for generations as an enduring testament to the heroism and sacrifice of the men and women who have rightly been called the Greatest Generation. Visitors from across the United States and indeed the rest of the world will journey to our nation's capital to see this monument and pay their own private tribute to the legions of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who fought and died to prevent the spread of tyranny. They will do so enjoying the freedom won in part by the exertions of Oregonians, just as the beauty they admire was crafted by Oregonians' hands. 

Mr. Speaker, I commend Valley Bronze and Stewart Springs, Ltd. for their outstanding success. The first-rate quality of their work was chosen as the finest in the land, and I am proud to represent them and their patriotic community in the House of Representatives. 

END