LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN HELP THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL CAMPAIGN

Red, white and blue balloons will be released over Waukon as part of a nationwide effort to raise money to build the National World War II Memorial. Although over 16 million people served in uniform and millions more supported the war effort at home, there is currently no memorial to World War II. In 1993 Congress tasked the American Battle Monuments Commission with raising funds for and constructing a National World War II Memorial to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by those serving in the military and on the home front during this critical time in U.S. history. About $75 million of the $100 million required to build the Memorial has already been raised. The National Funeral Director’s Association has pledged to raise an additional $5 million for the project through its “Celebration of Freedom” campaign.
Martin Funeral Home, a member of The National Funeral Director’s Association , in cooperation with the Allamakee County Veteran’s Affairs Office, will participate in the “Celebration of Freedom” campaign by coordinating local efforts. They are encouraging citizens to recognize the contributions of family members or friends by purchasing a balloon in their honor. For a contribution of $10 of more, a biodegradable balloon will be released on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2000. On that day, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, there will be a balloon release, not only in Waukon, but across the nation, as a symbol of unity honoring those involved in WW II. Each balloon will carry the name of a veteran or person who helped in the war effort in some way.
Craig Lensing of Martin Funeral Home also announces that the funeral home will be making an additional contribution in the name of every veteran for whom they have conducted a service during the past year. “The NFDA’s “Celebration of Freedom” campaign is a fitting way for families to contribute to the memorial as a way of celebrating their love of a living or deceased veteran, and to remember the sacrifices made by all Americans so that we may all enjoy the benefits of freedom,” said Lensing.
The National World War II Memorial will be built in Washington D.C., on a prominent 7.4 acre site between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. The memorial will feature a “Registry of Remembrances” database that will include the names of every American, veteran, or worker on the home front for whom registration forms have been received. Although contributions of any amount are encouraged, there is no charge for a name to be included in the registry. Anyone wishing to recognize a family member, friend or themselves simply needs to fill out the registration form.
For more information stop by or call Martin Funeral Home at 319-568-3162 or the Veteran’s Affairs Office at 319-568-6135 for a brochure and registration form.