Thursday, April 22, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) will host a special reception in Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 28, to commemorate the service of Oregon’s World War II veterans. The reception is open to Oregon World War II veterans, their families and friends and will be held prior to the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall on Saturday, May 29. Walden’s reception will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Room 1324 of the Longworth House Office Building across from the U.S. Capitol Building.

"The dedication of the National World War II Memorial represents a long-overdue recognition of the sacrifices of America’s Greatest Generation, the brave men and women who fought and died to defeat fascism and tyranny around the globe," said Walden. "It will be a profound honor to welcome Oregon’s World War II veterans to the nation’s capital for this historic occasion. I encourage Oregonians who are interested in attending this event to contact my office as soon as possible. My staff and I stand ready to assist them in any way we can to make their stay in Washington as memorable as possible."

Oregon veterans who plan to attend Walden’s reception on May 28 are encouraged to RSVP with the names and number of their party no later than May 15 by contacting Troy Ferguson in Walden’s Medford district office at (541) 776-4646 or via email at troy.ferguson@mail.house.gov. Those residing within the (541) area code can RSVP toll-free by calling 1-800-533-3303. Oregonians can also fill out a special online RSVP form by visiting Walden’s web site at www.walden.house.gov and clicking on the link entitled "WWII Memorial Reception."

Additional inquiries concerning events in Washington, D.C. should be directed to Kim Krebs in Walden’s Washington office, who can be reached at (202) 226-5234 or via email at kim.krebs@mail.house.gov.

WHAT: Walden reception for Oregon World War II veterans & families

WHEN: Friday, May 28, 2004, 4:00 PM—6:00 PM

WHERE: Room 1324, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

The National World War II Memorial dedication will be one of a number of events held during the four-day celebration of America’s Greatest Generation. The Smithsonian Institute is sponsoring a National World War II Reunion on the National Mall from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, May 27 – 30, 2004. This event is open to the public. There will also be several concerts throughout the weekend, as well as a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on the morning of the dedication. Additionally, The History Channel and CSPAN will televise the dedication ceremony. More information concerning dedication events can be found by visiting the National World War II Memorial’s website at www.wwiimemorial.com.

Due to the overwhelming demand from around the country, reserved seat tickets for the formal dedication of the Memorial on May 29 are no longer available from the American Battle Monuments Commission for those that don’t already possess them. However, there will be a special viewing area set up on the National Mall for those without reserved seat tickets that will accommodate an additional 40,000 people.

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a Deputy Whip and a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources. Walden was recently named Chairman of the Resources Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health.

###