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American Morning
Group of Veterans Attempt to Block World War II Memorial
Aired May 22, 2001 - 11:35 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Plans to build a controversial World War II memorial on the National Mall in Washington appears all but a done deal. All it needs is a final vote by the House. Opponents include decorated World War II veterans, some of whom say they're ready to give back their medals in protest.
We go to Jeanne Meserve, who's in Washington, who is going to talk with one of those passionate protesters -- Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, you would be hard- pressed to find anyone speaking out against the merits of building a monument to honor the veterans of World War II, especially this close to Memorial Day. Supporters say it is tribute, not just to those who fought and died, but to their families as well.
But there is a small but vocal group that includes decoration veterans who oppose the location of this memorial. They filed suit last year to block construction on the National Mall. The project was put on hold pending review. But the House is expected today to finalize legislation overruling local authorities. And so, after eight years of planning, it looks like construction could begin soon.
Joining me now is George Idelson, a World War II veteran who fought for 11 months under General Patton. Thanks so much for coming in today. This memorial is for you. Why would you object to it's being built quickly?
GEORGE IDELSON, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: I don't have any objections to its being built quickly, but I object to the way it was arrived at. I think due process is part of what we fought for, and I don't think we're getting it. There were some legitimate, reasonable objections to this, kind of the way this was going to rush through, and Congress simply said, hey, forget the rules. This is the way we want it. We're impatient. ,We want to make a political statement. I think it's kind of cheap patriotism.
MESERVE: Cheap patriotism.
IDELSON: Yes.
MESERVE: Let's talk about your specific objections to the memorial. Do you dislike the design?
IDELSON: I don't like the design. MESERVE: Why not?
IDELSON: It's gaudy. I don't think it does anything for me. If you compare it to the poignancy of the Vietnam Memorial. That's enough to people cry when they go there. This is going to make people laugh. It's just big and bold and triumphful, and it's just kind of in your face monumentalism, and I don't like it.
MESERVE: What about the location on the National Mall, so close to some of the other major memorials?
IDELSON: Well, I did something that probably most congressman didn't do. I went down and looked at that site, and I looked at the original site where it was planned for, which is about 100 yards to the north on a nice little hill, overlooking a little man-made lake, a beautiful site; a really lovely site that would be perfect for this memorial or any memorial.
I do object to the fact they have planted this thing 15 feet into the ground, into below the water table, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
MESERVE: There are those in Congress who say this should be built quickly before all the veterans of World War II are gone. Is that legitimate point for them to make?
IDELSON: Well, you know if they said that about the Lincoln Memorial, they would have rushed that a long time ago. I just don't think that's the issue.
You know, the people who fought in this war don't need to be reminded. They live with that experience every day nor do I personally feel that the government did not treat me well. They treated me well after the war. They sent me to school, they gave me some money for assistance, I'm satisfied. I don't need another memorial, but I don't object to others who do.
MESERVE: George Idelson, thanks so much for joining us here today with your point of view. The House expected today to give final passage to the legislation which would allow the construction to go forward.
Kyra, Daryn, back to you.
PHILLIPS: Thank you.
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