Welcome Message from Ambassador Williams. I begin by saying that the WWII Memorial is today a wonderful success story. Since its dedication in 2004 it has been quietly taking its place as one of the nation’s historic icons on the National Mall with growing warm public acceptance and acclaim from all quarters and especially from WWII Veterans It is becoming in a way, Washington’s village square, the town green on the Mall, a place for silent solemn remembrance, a place to linger, to stroll, to talk, to listen, to share memory and meaning.

Welcome Message from Ambassador Williams. I begin by saying that the WWII Memorial is today a wonderful success story. Since its dedication in 2004 it has been quietly taking its place as one of the nation’s historic icons on the National Mall with growing warm public acceptance and acclaim from all quarters and especially from WWII Veterans It is becoming in a way, Washington’s village square, the town green on the Mall, a place for silent solemn remembrance, a place to linger, to stroll, to talk, to listen, to share memory and meaning.