Next the united States World War one Centennial Commission marks the opening of the national World War I Memorial in Washington Dc with a Video Tribute and Flagraising Ceremony to honor the 4. 7 million americans who served during the war the memorial opened to the public on april 16th. It you for more than two centuries the stars and stripes has flown over the land of the free. And the home of the brave we know that its flying around the World Today everywhere us forces are stationed protecting all of us. There are nuns still alive who saw it flying above the american doughboys in places like bella wood cantini and the muse are gone. Now its our job to keep faith with those brave men and women who came before us. In less than two years some 4. 7 million americans would join the armed forces during World War one. Many of them volunteers and just six months of decisive combat. More would die than in a decade of War And Korea and vietnam combined. With a higher Casualty Rate than World War ii. 116,516 doughboys made the ultimate sacrifice under the american flag. Today will tell the story of a very special american flag. One that represents the united States Involvement in World War one the war that changed the World Youll hear and see the story of that Flags Journey through our program. Today, well fly that flag over the national World War I Memorial. The very first time the new national World War I Memorial in the Nations Capital is the last of four memorials built here in recognition of the major wars fought in defensive freedom in the 20th century. It also stands proudly as the 100th memorial of the 100 around the country that were restored and renewed over the past several years with the assistance of the us World War one. Centennial commission and its founding Sponsor Pritzker military Museum And Library Dan Dayton is the executive director of the World War i Centennial Commission . And hes at the memorial right now. Welcome to americas national World War I Memorial in Washington Dc. A very special Welcome Today to the members of americas armed forces who are watching todays broadcast. Thanks to the support of the defense media activity. From forward deployed operating areas to ships at sea you represent the best of america and on behalf of all of us. Thank you for your service. The national World War I Memorial is a depiction of what happened a hundred years ago when soldiers boarded ships bound for france determined to bring to a close what they thought would be awardwendol wars. By themselves they of course couldnt end all war but their Courage And Sacrifice did indeed bring a decisive end to a conflict that had killed millions. Todays first Color Ceremony is designed to bring our history home. Its a journey that began with an american flag that first flew over our Nations Capital on april 6 2017 commemorating the centennial of the date that the United States went to war. The colors have since flown over the american World War I Battlefield cemeteries of europe honoring the doughboys who gave their all during the war. And over the national World War one Museum And Memorial in kansas city. And now they returned home here to their final destination where theyll take their rightful place flying high and Perpetuity Right here above the new national World War I Memorial in Washington Dc. Were located on americas main street, just down pennsylvania avenue from the united States Capitol Building at the Southeast Entrance to the white house and just one block from the washington monument. Its in the middle of everything but the designers have miraculously made this a magnificently serene location. The memorial provides an opportunity to get away from the crowd and contemplate those who serve the cause of freedom a century ago. In less than an hour as our national colors are raised for the very first time over this magnificent memorial. Honors to our nation will be rendered by Master Sergeant Matthew byrne. A member of the united States Army Band known as pershing zone the Army Band was established by general pershing himself. This bugle that Master Sergeant Byrne will play belong to general pershing. Its been generously donated to the doughboy foundation by Sandy Pershing his granddaughter in law who never lost faith that this day would come at last. History teaches us that we protect our future when we remember our past. Following the Flag Raising will further affirm this with a flyover from the 94th Fighter Squadron of the united States Air Force base in langley, virginia. The 94th has a special residence today. Its one of the oldest units in Todays Air Force organized during World War one as the 94th Aero Squadron in the us army air service. It was named the hat in the Ring Squadron by its famed aviators who included Eddie Rickenbacker and raul loughbury. Now, please join us as we explore the events that inspired its journey to this place on this special day and meet the people who turned a national vision into a splendid reality. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my honor to introduce the 46th president of the United States and our commanderinchief the honorable Joseph R Biden jr. My fellow americans today, we raised the flag over the memorial for the first time. Lets remember. All that was sacrificed. All that was sanctified. By a proud brave americans who served in World War i many ways it was our first modern war. The first years of planes and tanks and new communications many new dangers we learned that what it meant to fight trench to trench. We saw the horrors of chemical weapons unleashed. And in some ways the great war shifted americas thinking about ourselves and redefined our place in the world. We grapple with what we stood for what were willing to fight and die for it to defend. Principles of Freedom And Democracy we confronted a terrible cost of war and an age of new and deadly technologies, but the Commitment And Valor of the american women and men who stepped up to serve whether here at home or in the front lines in europe was the same spirit. Theres always defined american Service Members. More than four million served four million americans millions more supported the War Effort at home and 116,516 lost their lives. The great war touches almost every american family at the time. For too long that nationwide service has not been fully commemorated here in the Nations Capital. This memorial finally will offer a chance for people to visit and reflect and to remember. More than 100 years has passed since World War i ended. But the legacy encourage of those doughboys sailing off to war and the values they fought to defend still live. In our Nation Today thank you. May god bless you and protect our troops. The World War one Centennial Commission began its journey with a prayer asking god to bless all those who gave the best of themselves for our country. And so its fitting and proper and my honor to introduce a man who played a key role in that journey. Representing missouris fifth congressional district the honorable Manual Cleaver who will offer Todays Invocation from the national World War i Museum And Memorial in kansas city, missouri. Please let us pray. Our father who ought in heaven . We approach your holy throne of grace. Imploring you are creator and our lord. To hold our military men and women in the blessed palm of your hands. Bless and comfort the military families who in many ways are enlisted as well. With much angst our men and women leave their spouses and children and March And Sail and fly to distant lands to serve the interests of this great nation, which for reasons we may not understand on this side of the jordan has been richly blessed by you. Thank you. Protect our soldiers as they protect us lord almighty embed in these warriors a form of courage which allows them to declare even cognitively that the Safety And Security of our Flagship Democracy is more significant than their fears. We pray only to you Jehovah Nissi the lord our banner. Each of our intrepid soldiers may return to these shores safely and hold. Nevertheless we pray for the war did and ask you to tuck them eternally into the bosom of abraham. And now we humbly ask that you touch our leaders and award them the skill to avoid war when it is unnecessary. Please give them lionheartedness. To inspire them to fight fiercely to protect our freedom when there are no other options. Jehovah shalom the lord of peace we seriously seek peace with our voice with our heart and lastly with our might. And now may the god of peace equip our soldiers and our leaders with everything good for doing his will and may he work in all of us. That which is pleasing to him. Through our god to whom be Glory And Majesty forever and ever. Im in. They were called doughboys then as now no one was exactly sure why like the name their heroic deeds fade from memory. It is time to remember. April 1917 the United States enters the great war for two and a half years, france and great britain have been deadlocked in an epic struggle with imperial, germany. Millions are dead Democracy Threatened can america make the difference . The us military has war plans. But none include shipping millions of men across the atlantic. Few troops have ever seen comet the country that invaded the airplane has but few all obsolete. No tanks, no gas masks. First of all, the War Department Hasnt mandated the study of trench warfare. This education paid in blood nonetheless the nation would mobilize and monetize a stunning effort in just two years. The american government would spend almost as much money as it had in its entire history prior to the war. An eightfold increase in steel shipyards more than two million new industrial workers and rosie the riveter had a mother. Women became a major presence in the workforce joined the armed services for the first time and would have the vote a year. Later. Doughboys would come from every walk of life and all ethnicities. A resolute wave of africanamericans native americans new immigrants raw boned Farmhands Ivy leaguers lafayette we are here. The american expeditionary forces men of the Rainbow Division the Buffalo Ivy and all american the metropolitan prairie and red diamond an English Nurse watched them and wrote. So these were our deliverers at last so godlike so magnificent so splendidly unimpaired. And so timely americans entered the front lines in january 1918 a Marine Commander advised a retreat by a french colleague answered retreat. Hell, we just got here. Where Warriors Frontline troops two thirds of the aef saw action an amazing percentage they would fight 13 key battles with names engraved in the american memory cantini. The Belleau Wood swiss Song Sand may yield and the muse are gone. Where a quarter million doughboys led the first assault wave. Vanguard of more than a million who engaged in the final epic battles of the great war one was a Tennessee Farmer named alvin york. Who almost singlehandedly killed or captured more than 100 enemy soldiers . Others who saw action included artillery officers named hubble and truman one would later win a nobel prize and lend his name to historys most powerful telescope. The other would become president. No one on either side anticipated how quickly the americans would arrive engage and decisively impact the war. The carnage ended on November 11th 18 american resolve had stopped the killing by itself World War i did not could not make the world safe for democracy. Liberty must always be defended strengthened and cherished. On the fields of france 116,516 doughboys affirmed this with their lives. It is time to honor their sacrifice and renew our pledge. To protect our future by remembering our past 100 years ago america rallied to the cause of the great war. But until today, none of those heroes who fought and died have had a place of recognition among the monuments and memorials here in our Nations Capital. To hear why we need a national World War I Memorial and to recognize some of those who made today possible. Lets meet the visionary behind the memorial former Vice Chair of the World War one Centennial Commission edwin fountain. One day in 2008. I stood at the Dc War memorial the memorial on the mall which honors the residents of the District Of Columbia who served in World War i and i thought why do we have national memorials to three of the four great wars of the 20th century, but not to the great war the war that brought the United States onto the World Stage and began the american century. So i and a handful of others david Deyoung Dan Alexander Rebecca wilson, bobby brewster. Together with our champions on Capitol Hill Congressman ted Poe And Emmanuel cleaver and senators Jay Rockefeller and jonathan began advocating for a national World War I Memorial in the Nations Capital this undertaking brought to bear the Energy And Commitment of a great many talented people firms and agencies. Even the shortest list of those who made this memorial possible is too long, but please indulge me and acknowledging the key principles. First and foremost Joe Weishore the 25 year old not yet licensed competition winning architect from arkansas who saw the path to simultaneously preserving and transforming this site. And to meeting the Design Challenge of locating a War Memorial at the center of an urban park. Our partners at the national Park Service led by peter may associate director of the national capital region. Chairman rusty Powell Secretary Tom lupke and the members and staff of the commission of fine arts who patiently challenged us and provided Expert Guidance at every step of the way. The Design Team John Gregg and gww. O architects the architect of record. David rubin and land collective our landscape architects grunley Construction And Sculpture saving howard who is creating the majestic work of art that will come to this space three years from now. The list of Commissioner Staff and volunteers of the World War one Centennial Commission who contributed is likewise too long to read. But i must single out Dale Archer Meredith Carr and chris christopher. And dr. Libby oconnell my Fellow Commissioner and partner in steering the Design Process finally two indispensable men executive director, Dan Dayton who built the organization and led the Fundraising And Chairman Terry Hamby who inspired us with his passion and put his shoulder to the wheel at just those couple times when it was needed. Im often asked why do we need a national World War I Memorial we need it because the war was the most consequential event of the 20th century and you cannot understand our country or the world. We live in without understanding World War one. Because the debates we have today about the roles of women and africanamericans and immigrants in our society about the role of america in the world. About the proper balance between liberty and security. Are about echoes of debates, we had 100 years ago. Because the idealistic principles of president Woodrow Wilson set the direction of american foreign policy for the next hundred years. Because the war could not have been won without the United States. As american troops stopped the final german defensive at the marne river. And in the hundred Days Campaign that followed drew the toughest assignment on the western front and fought through to victory because World War i was the third bloodiest war in our history. And the Courage And Sacrifice of the doughboys was as heroic and sublime as that of the boys and blue and gray who came before them and the gis who came after. Because just as the names bunker hill in yorktown. Shiloh and Gettysburg Normandy and Iwo Jima ring out in our national memory. So too should Chateau Terry and send me o and the muse are gone. The historian a Scott Berg said that the stories from the great war are the stuff of greek tragedy and are of biblical proportions. And modern america is very identity was forged during this war. This Memorial And Word and image seeks to tell those stories the Soldiers Story and the nations story. Im often asked. What was the source of your passion for honoring those who served . It wasnt a passion. It was a responsibility. I had a responsibility to james mcconnell my Fellow Alumnus of the university of virginia. I had a responsibility to my Fellow Attorney at law major Charles Whittlesey Commander of the lost battalion in the argonne forest. We have a responsibility to eben Bradbury And Dorsey Covington And Leonardo calvani. And 30,000 other soldiers marines and sailors buried in american cemeteries overseas. We have a responsibility to henry burton and Jose Archuleta and Jacob Cohen and 4000 others listed on tablets of the missing. We have a responsibility to 2,000 american servicemen. Including one entombed in arlington who rest and honored glory known but to god im often asked did you do this because you had grandfathers who served . I didnt though they did and i am proud that each of them is part of the american story of the war. One of them a farmer from a place called back swamp, North Carolina. Had never been farther from home than the next county over until he went to france the other a jewish immigrant from eastern europe who came here as a boy in 1906 left university to serve his new country. But this memorial is not for them. This memorial is for Victor Chapman a volunteer for france who died at verdun this memorial is for Albert Schultz who died in flanders and Robert Turner who died on the psalm . And Weed And Osborne a Navy Medic who died at Belleau Wood and received the medal of honor. This memorial is for Ships Captain charles satterley who died at sea and for 20 year old Quentin Roosevelt who died in the air who died in the words of his father theodore at the crest of life in his golden morning. This memorial is for red cross volunteers dorothy and Gladys Cromwell sisters who went to war together and when it was over on the voyage home. Stepped off the railing of the ship together. This memorial is for two american poets who wrote beautifully and tragically of the war that took their lives alan seeger who had a rendezvous with death at midnight in some flaming town. And to his pledged word was true and did not fail that rendezvous. And Joyce Kilmer who lies in a new made Grave Today in a wood they call the rouge bouquet slumber. Well where the shell screamed and fell let your Rifles Rest on the muddy floor. You will not need them anymore. This memorial is for the man for whom this park is named general john pershing. And for the 18 year old corporal who once shook his hand Frank Buckles the last american veteran of the war who at the age of 108 testified before Congress And Support of this memorial. We have a responsibility to corporal buckles and the nearly five million other americans men and women citizens and immigrants and native peoples of every Race And Faith of every creed and color. Who answered their countrys call and went and harms way . It is our duty to remember them. And their names and their honor and in their memory. Thank all of you for being here today. And thank all of you who made this memorial. It was eight years ago that Texas Congressman Ted Poe played a key role in creating the World War i Centennial Commission that would oversee the Design And Construction of a national World War I Memorial from day one. This is truly been an allamerican effort. Todays first Color Ceremony commemorates those who served in the trenches and on the Home Front celebrating a nation forever changed by the sacrifices. They made in the ideals they bequeathed. It was a great honor for me along with my good friend representative Emmanuel Cleaver to introduce legislation, which created the World War one Centennial Commission. It was a wonderfully bipartisan effort that transcended the daily give and take of politics in hopes of achieving a singular important achievement. The long overdue creation of a national World War I Memorial there were so many who joined in the effort senators John Thune and Jay Rockefeller were early supporters. Senator Roy Blunt was instrumental as were his senate colleagues John Tester jerry moran john boozeman, Richard Burr Jack reed Lisa Murkowski and chris van hollen. And also special thanks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell who played a key role in bringing critical funding . In addition to my Friend And Representative cleaver other colleagues in the house also answered the call. Led by representatives Doug Lamborn Betty Mccullum and dcs own eleanor holmes, norton to paraphrase a famous saying soldiers never die until they are forgotten. We cannot forget its always remarkable to me when people become aware that family members made a contribution to this War Effort a century ago. My Greatuncle George alfred weems served at Camp Travis in texas and worked with medics there and stamping out the last major pandemic. What was called the Spanish Flu . Dan Frank Buckles came into my life frank advocated for this memorial for years before he passed away in 2011. He was the last World War. I veteran in the United States. And im here to show frank that we got it done and that he and his fellow doughboys will never be forgotten. The commemorative flags flown over americas hallowed grounds have now returned. On their journey back to washington they were entrusted to the care of Sandy Pershing granddaughter of general john pershing. The nations military leader in World War. I if theres ever been a time when weve forgotten our heroes. Sandy pershing has always remembered when my Husband Jack was a little boy. He used to go out with his Grandfather And Jack was always just surprised at the number of people who would follow them down the street with cameras or just pieces of paper asking the general the Police Sign and autograph. No one remembers. Some of the older people like that. Say general person that name sounds familiar or oh theres a pershing street. In my town but they have no idea. Im so happy that were going to get this bill. To recognize all the people. Who nobody has paid any attention to . That was just such a altruistic. Group of people and everybody went and they all managed to get along. And they saved each others lives and they made it werent. The general had every camera in the world on him and so did some of his aids like general patton. Macarthur these people many of whom didnt even make it home have had almost no recognition for what they did. And this war represented all of us in the states i think the general would say its about time. The war did indeed represent all of us. Ambassador Carol Mosley Braun americas first africanamerican female senator honors the memory of her grandfather and the hundreds of thousands just like him. It is early fall in 1918. Imagine being an american Service Member crouched down in the shrouded mists of a french valley deep in the argonne forests. German gunfire erupts as mortar Rounds Land nearby you inch forward toward the enemy with soldiers from france and belgium on either side of you. The brutal fighting would last nearly six weeks until an armistice was reached between allied forces and germany on november 11 1918. More than 350,000 africanamerican served during World War. I through their service these brave men demonstrated love of Country Patriotism and the importance of equality. The paradox for africanamericans fighting on the front lines lines in france was clear. They defended americans freedoms abroad while being denied those very same rights at home. Although the civil war had ended fifty years before World War. I began racial discrimination was common throughout most of america. Jim crow laws enforced a culture of segregation africanamericans face prejudice from their white counterparts and the service and also in civilian communities near stateside military bases. Despite these hardships africanamerican serve with honor and earn respect from american troops allied Service Members and eventually the american public. My grandfather thomas davie attached to the armys 10th cavalry regiment famously known as the buffalo soldiers was awarded a us Victory Medal and fought in the battle at musargon. His cousin who volunteered at the same time was not so fortunate. His name is memorialized on the statue in chicagos bronzeville neighborhood. Many others gave their lives as well. Corporal Freddie Stowers of South Carolina attached to the segregated 371st infantry regiment was killed after bravely leading american soldiers against entrenched german forces during a battle in the ardennes forest. Sergeant Henry Johnson of North Carolina assigned to the all black 369th army infantry regimen engaged in Handtohand Combat and saved the life of a fellow soldier. Both men were awarded the medal of honor more than 70 years after their deaths. The 369th regimen known as the harlem Hellfighters Game renowned for their fierce fighting and dedicated patriotism. The unit never had a member taken his prisoner nor did lose a foot of ground. It defended while suffering 1,500 casualties. More than 100 men received awards for valor. The 369th regiment van led by director James Reese europe played before thousands of americans and europeans. It is credited with introducing europe to jazz. The World War one Centennial Commission has endorsed the 369th experience enlisting musicians from historically black colleges and universities around the nation to recreate the harlem hellfighters 369th regimental band. Listen. Here and you here when the 369th regimental Army Band returned home, they had become famous throughout europe. And when peace returned to the battlefields at the end of World War one so too did a simple red flower the poppy. Immortalized in john macraes famous poem in Flanders Fields this little red Flower Today has become an international symbol of remembrance to honor all who have died in the service of their country. This floral tribute will now also grow here amidst the Stone And Metal of this great memorial blooming every year as we keep faith with those who lie in Flanders Fields. Americas national World War I Memorial has become a reality through the collective efforts of many people in organizations foremost among them is the pritzker military Museum And Library Founding Sponsor of the us World War one Centennial Commission without the support of Colonel Jennifer Pritzker. Its Founder And Chairwoman. This accomplishment would not have been possible. World war i was often referred to as the forgotten war. However, the new national World War I Memorial and this first Colors Ceremony draws public attention to these events of 100 years ago. As the descendant of World War i veterans and the Founder And Chair of the pritzker military Museum And Library. I am proud that this memorial will ensure. We as a nation remember their service. For 100 years more shortly after the end of World War I Congress established the american battle monuments commission. General William M matts jr. Eighth secretary of the abmc now charts the path of the commemorative flag. We will raise today. Im proud to stand here before this statue of general the armies John Jay pershing commander of the american expeditionary forces in World War. I in the first chairman of the american battle monuments commission. Commemorating the Service And Sacrifice of the United States armed forces has been the purpose of the commission since 1923. And we do this at 26 overseas military cemeteries and 30 battle monuments and memorials in 17 countries. More than 233,000 americans are interred or memorialized at Abmc Commemorative sites worldwide 35,000 of whom gave their all during World War. I and to honor their memory a commemorative american flag will soon fly over this magnificent memorial it will fly in perpetuity in the path that has taken to this place in time represents the epic journey of the doughboys to france and back home again. The commemorate the flag first flew at the capitol where it signaled our Nations Commitment to join the fight. It then traveled overseas where it was flown over the final resting places of our honored heroes who fell during World War i in the service of freedom. Many of them lie in the very ground on which they fought the flag then came home as did nearly two million americans who returned from the bloody battlefields of europe. It flew over the iconic Liberty Memorial in kansas city, home of the national World War i museum. Its journey ends here today at the new national World War. I memorial i speak for all of us at abmc to say, how proud we are that this great memorial will be added to our sacred sites. To be maintained in the same reverent and meticulous manner as all its sister sites around the world. Let there be no doubt the flag of our nation under which eye and so many others served will fly proudly on this site forever. If tomorrow things were gone, Id Work for all my life. And i had to start again with just my children and my wife i think my lucky stars. Where the flag still stands for freedom and they cant take that away and been hurt still today. Because there aint no. From the lakes of minnesota across the plains of texas oh from sea to shine and see from detroit downtown houston where theres pride in every american heart and its time we stand and i wont forget the men who died who gave them right to me and i grabbed me stand up next to you and because there aint no time. You next to you and defend her still today. Because there aint no doubt. I love this lady. Is bless you. Our nations highest ranking military officer is the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. Who also serves as principal military advisor to the President Secretary of defense and national Security Council . General mark, Milley 20th Chairman of the joint staff speaks for all americans who have worn the uniform the national World War I Memorial is a testament to the strength of the american people. And honors the Bravery And Sacrifice our worries made during the great war. Thank you to all and made it happen. It is my honor to represent the 2. 3 million soldiers sailors airmen marines and coast guardsmen. Who are currently serving our country around the world . And i am privileged. To be with you today to recognize and salute. The courage of all those who served in the first World War it is our duty. To remember what they fought for. And why they fought thought to be the war to end all wars. Those who lived it experienced unimaginable carnage. And by the end of the conflict it ripped apart four empires. Killed more than 22 million people and it set the conditions for World War ii. 20 years later which was the most destructive war in human history . 102 years later today we are still feeling the effects of World War one. As it was one of the most significant events. Fundamentally shape the modern world 116,000 american Service Members made the ultimate sacrifice and more than 200,000. Came back wounded in action. A war of stale me. Trenches and nutrition american forces fought with Bravery And Heroism and famous battles such as cantigny. Bellowood use our god one of those Soldiers Alvin C york was a humble man . A hero really from tennessee one of the most decorated soldiers of World War one he exemplifies the Courage Patriotism and valor of so many Service Members. The amazing story of Sergeant York is forever immortalized in the annals of american courage under fire. And now im delighted to introduce Sergeant Yorks Grandson Colonel Gerald York to tell the rest of the story. When i was a kid, we would watch the Movie And Everybody always wanted to be my grandfather. Im like, no. I need to be my grandfather, you know. My grandfather really didnt want to go to war. Do you ever see his Draft Card . It says dont want to fight. He ended up getting drafted and he told him ive made my peace. I havent worked out about killing people, but i do want to go support my country. The battle was on october the 8th 1918 my side a little village called Chantelle Sherry in france. There was heavy Machine Gun Fire and he saw his friends being killed every time the germans would raise their head to shoot he would touch them off. There was a german officer. Hed captured earlier said if you will stop killing. My people ill make the rest of them surrender now at this point. He had already killed 20 or 23 of them. He didnt want to kill anymore. He had 132 prisoners. And so as they marched back through the lines, he asked the german officer. Which way would you go we need to get back to the american lines in a german officer said id go this way. My grandfather said okay, were going this way then. My grandfather when he came back was offered about 250,000 in 1919 money to endorse various things and he said i did what i had to do to save my comrades and so no the uniforms not for sale. The things hes left me and the things of his that my grandmother gave me after he passed away really means a lot. It keeps me connected to him. He spoke to the 82nd all american division as they were reactivated for World War ii he told them when we fought the war we thought we had one the peace, but what we found out was we just made a payment on our freedom. And now theres another payment come and do that. Were going to have to pay up. Again, you have to make continual installments on it to keep the peace and keep freedom. He was oscillator in life. What do you want to be remembered for . Your actions in france being awarded the medal of honor meeting the president. And he said i want my legacy to be that i brought education to rural, tennessee. You know when i think of my grandfather . I dont think of the soldier. I think of this person who was kind considerate. Left a great legacy for the family and i think in some ways left a good example for the country. When the us went to war a century ago in World War i we all went to war. Young men of all backgrounds and ethnicities and women, too. A great example of their service was the volunteers who served as telephone operators at the front. Indeed they made history. Its a little known but fascinating story when general pershing saw the critical need for more effective telephone communications. He was told the very best operators were women. So he sent out a call of his own for 200 female telephone operators to serve in the army in france. They needed to be bilingual in english and french and able to perform in a combat environment. These women answered the call and came to be known as the hello girls. During the wars centennial Period Kara Reichel and peter mills wrote. Hello girls the musical. The story of those remarkable women and their quest to serve their nation in france on the front lines under our flag. The hello girls truly made history then and were honored. To remember them today. Each of us helped when the battle was down to the wire all of the women and men who came through under fire and maybe not one of us saved the day, but maybe together. When the call got through when the hill was taken when the tide was turned and the world. Im making history every moment. Could it be we each have a world . Heart goes through things the girls connected over 26 million calls during their service as americas first womens soldiers. They paved the way for Women Suffrage after the war was over they continued their fight for Recognition And Equality for almost 60 years until finally in 1977. The hello girls were granted Veteran Status by the us congress. Take were making and molding it slowly on the folding it on every somewhere to stumbling a faltering instead of you taking all that came before tearing down to build one small because history is affected by how weve intersected by a million dreams connected part of it person here is making history. You the hello girls answered the call and took their place in history as our nations first womens Soldiers Today as the stars and stripes is raised for the very first time over americas new national World War. I memorial we are proud to honor their contributions to the cause of freedom. Their memory will live on as the 53rd secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt led the department which includes the national Park Service throughout the Construction Phase of the memorial. Today would not have been possible without his leadership and support. It has been my honor to lead the department during the construction of americas newest national memorial. I want to thank the members of the World War one Centennial Commission members of congress and the nationwide network of donors and supporters for what you have collectively accomplished. Here in our Nations Capital americans who answered their countries called to serve in Vietnam Korea and World War ii are memorialized and now at long last weve also kept the faith with those who served in World War one. The stories shared today illuminate the legacy of their achievements and their sacrifice a heritage vital to our national memory and identity. As the 54 Secretary of the interior it is my honor to lead your department of the interior and our charge to conserve and manage our nations natural resources and cultural heritage for the Benefit And Enjoyment of the american people as the proud Daughter And Granddaughter of navy and marine corps veterans. Im honored that one of my first decks since assuming this office is to establish this national World War I Memorial my Grandfather Conrad Holland served as a Gunnery Sergeant during World War i and my great uncle private Oscar Holland served in the 168th infantry seeing combat in some of the hardest fought battles american soldiers faced during the war including the Champagne Marne Offensive whose name appears on this memorial. My mother is a Navy Veteran who also served as a civil servant at the bureau of indian affairs for 25 years as she four kids as a marine Corps Wife my father jd dutch holland was a 30year Career Marine who earned two purple hearts in a Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action during his Twoyear Tour in vietnam. Just last week my sisters and i visited his Grave Site to cross the potomac in arlington national cemetery. As the daughter of a Combat Veteran its not lost on me that the veterans of World War. I never lived to see a national memorial to their Service And Sacrifice here in our Nations Capital a place where their families could share their stories and heal their group. Today we write that wrong today. We remember them on behalf of President Biden and the congress of the United States and on behalf of a greatful nation. It is my honor to officially authorize that our american flag be flown over. A World War I Memorial in Washington Dc beginning today friday, april 16th, 2021 that flag shall be flown every day in honor and in memory of all who served our nation during the great war . I assure you as caretakers of this memorial the national Park Service will be here every day of every year watching over this memorial to keep it and protected and to pass along the stories of the heroism told here for future generations of americans their deeds will forever be enshrined in this memorial because of the great work done by the architect Joe Weishar and the Design Team who in close consultation with the commission of fine arts and so many others created this sacred space. It is truly a remarkable accomplishment and a fascinating story. Thank you. The thing that matters most to me about this project, is that the people who come and visit will walk away knowing something more about World War i what we want to do is really start telling the stories of the men and women who served throughout the memorial and throughout the additional content being provided through the app and the website people will be able to access these stories in ways that theyve never been able to before when you come to the memorial, there are so many different parts and pieces to look at and engage with there are the quotes that tell the stories taken directly from the writings of the people who were in the war. There are the sounds of the cascade fountains that drown out the noise the city and create a place of quiet contemplation. The sculpture itself is really the focus and theres no way to come to the more and not just stand all of that sculpture. What Saban Howard has brought to the project is just an amazing sense in understanding of composition and storytelling. And he can take an image or set of images and through the actions of each of the figures give you something that has Movement Movement to it and volume. Rather than just having one Story Line that sort of wove its way through. You get sort of macro and micro scales of how the country was changing during the war. How the war changed individuals and how the world changed we wanted to create a memorial that really had a Onetoone Connection between the visitor and the memorial itself. So when you stand in front of the figures in safe and sculpture, they dont loom over you in this grandi. A this memorial will really be a memorial of the 21st century. It has technological components that have never really been done either at this scale or being applied to a memorial. The augmented reality the virtual reality those kinds of things just didnt even exist when we started this project. The app works both as a standalone app that you can use from your Living Room or you can use it in the park itself and will pop up different bits of information and the different pieces of augmented reality as you need or want them. And proudest of the fact that the people who worked on this project were committed from day one. Every person i met in this journey all got very passionate about the things that they wanted to see the design speak to and having such an excellent team and main board of people who could bounce ideas off of has just been absolute pleasure for me. This process has made me do that deep dive and learn more about World War. I and really connect with it if people come to this memorial and they walk away saying i know something more than i think mission accomplished. This is americas memorial. It belongs to every one of us and it began with a truly bipartisan effort that built a foundation for success. Senator Mitch Mcconnell was instrumental in helping to transform a seemingly distant vision into a vital reality. Hello, im senator Mitch Mcconnell. Back in 1914 a reporter from my state of kentucky named urban cobb became one of the first american journalists to witness the great war. Writing for this Saturday Evening post. He said quote i saw enough to cure any man of the delusion that war is beautiful glorious and inspiring thing and to make him know it for what it is altogether hideous and utterly awful. Before the armistice 41,000 of his fellow kentuckyans and more than two million americans came face to face with the horrors of war over there. Theyre already countless monuments to american Service Members and town squares and village greens all across our country. And an ocean away, we have american monuments and cemeteries in france and belgium where ordinary fields became hell on earth. But today were returning our heroes to the forefront of our national memory and to the center of our Nations Capital. We wouldnt be here without the work. Of the Centennial Commission three years ago. I was asked to nominate a member of that commission. I called an extraordinary kentucky named Terry Hamby. I knew his professionalism is persistence his own military service and his lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans would make terry a crucial asset to this effort. And the commission agreed elected him sherman and thanks to his leadership and all of the hard work. We get to unveil this fitting tribute to all the men and women who did their bit during this terrible conflict. So to everyone Whos Talent and efforts have made today possible. Thank you. As you raise the flag over our newest memorial youre honoring the memory of the generation and the making our nation proud as well. Thank you, mr. Leader. For your Inspiration And Guidance supporting our team to completion of this memorial. Thank you for doing as i said 100 years ago your bit to remember our doors. I want to thank the 53rd secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt all his unwavering support during construction and the 54 Secretary of the Interior Secretary Holland for the continued support as the World War. I memorial becomes a part of the national Park Service. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Founding Sponsor the pritzker military Museum And Library. Without the foresight of Colonel Jennifer Pritzker who stepped up to lead early on none of this would have come to pass. Many others came forward too the Star Foundation in the lele foundation our major donors who responded so generously and there were many other american companies with major gifts of over a million dollars that saw the significance of honoring our doughboys. Thank you all and thank you to those americans who gave to our armistice campaign. 11. 11 symbolic of the date of the armistice. Any amount given by any american all gifts are important because this is americas memorial and you each can take great pride that you have built it. The doughboys we honored today were the best of their generation. Their average age was 24. The barrier biblical reference they really did quench the power of fire and became mighty and war. I truly believe. The doughboys are a great cloud of witnesses. What were doing here today, they came from all across our great nation to serve in a place. Most had never visited to fight in a war that didnt start in order to ensure Peace And Liberty for people that never met they did it because it was what the country asked of they did their bit. These were doughboys. Poet John Mcrae liking their efforts to a torch which is being passed when he wrote in Flanders Field to you from failing hands. We throw the torch. Be it yours to bear it high if you break faith with us, who die we shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders Field. This flag can be in so many ways liking to be raised torch. Its been after all the torch of our nation since 1777. Legend has it that Betsy Ross is famous flag was first flown in battle during the revolutionary war at the battle of Kuchis Bridge near philadelphia. This flag inspired our national anthem in baltimore harbor in 1812. It was flown in texas in 1846. And it flew it antietam. And the spanish american war in 1898 . It refused to retreat and bella wood. And it was held high at normandy. And any regime it was there an incheon and it caisson and that medina ridge. And it inspired resolve. In all of us on 9 11 this flag this torch was flown to over places. Some of us may have forgotten. At the battle of the muse are gone in france. In World War one, which was the largest battle in the United States military history involving more than 1. 2 million doughboys. This symbol of our nation this torch. Well now fly to honor those who no longer have a voice who will be remembered. In this place so now as the chairman of the united States World War one Centennial Commission before you and this great cloud of witnesses. I direct you to raise this torch. As we bear it high this symbol of our great nation. At this sacred place and let us run with endurance. To ensure the doughboys our neighbor forgotten here you we set our left. So each, you know we read them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Here just want to say Police Officer serving with the united States Air Force. Its a great honor to fly over this wonderful memorial with you and recognize a huge sacrifice made by the United States in World War. I thank you. You are here here whether our lives and our deaths before peace and a new hope or for nothing. We cannot say it. Is you who must say this . They say we leave you our deaths give them their meaning we were young they say. We have died remember us. I will remember you i will remember the doughboys. We will never forget those who fought the doughboys will forever be an enduring icon in american history. We legionnaires will remember our Founding Generation and continue their legacy of more than a century of strengthening america. You live in our Hearts America will always remember your sacrifices will never be forgotten. I will remember them. I will remember them. I will always remember our doughboys. You live in our Hearts America will always remember. Remember them . I will remember them you live in our hearts. America will always remember. We will never forget the doughboys. America will always remember. Sacrifices will never be forgotten. Remember them . I will remember them what a way different regimen in the 27th. Brigade combat team. Remember the doughboy . S youre sacrifice will never be for god. We never forget them. We will never forget. I remember we will never forget the doughboys. On behalf of all those who made this memorial a reality. Thank you for being with us today. Through your presence you have paid tribute to every american who served and sacrificed in World War one. From this day forward through stewardship programs and activities the doughboy foundation will continue its mission. Faith with the american doughboy. As we honor them us renew our pledge to protect our future. By remembering our past here here this week were looking back to this date in history. The Lincoln Memorial was originally dedicated on May 30th 1922 57 years after president Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at the end of the civil war. More than 50,000 people crowded the grounds for the dedication ceremony, including elected officials and the diplomatic corps. Seen here in the audience are some of the many civil war veterans from the north and the south who attended the ceremony. Among the dignitaries present were us supreme Court Chief Justice and former president william howard taft. President Warren G harding and Robert Todd Lincoln Abraham Lincolns only surviving son. President harding in a Speech Broadcast on nationwide radio to hold the audience. This memorial is less for Abraham Lincoln than those of us today. And for those who follow after Tuskegee Institute President Robert Moten delivered the Keynote Address that promoted equality among the races mr. Moten an africanamerican spoke to a segregated audience and discussed the origins of discrimination by comparing the arrival of the mayflower for religious freedom to the arrival of a Slave Ship with human cargo. Follow us on social media at Cspan History for more this day in history clips and posts. Virginia tech