SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 48

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES KRAUS (Sponsor), ERVIN, SCHAAF, JONES (89), TRACY, ATKINS, LeVOTA, NANCE, GUERNSEY, MOLENDORP, ALLEN, WRIGHT, MEADOWS, SCHAD, DUSENBERG, BROWN (50), NOLTE, GRILL, DIECKHAUS, McGHEE AND KRATKY (Co-sponsors).

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            Whereas, more than 4,000,000 Americans served in World War I; and

            Whereas, there is no nationally recognized memorial honoring the service of those over 4,000,000 Americans; and

            Whereas, in 1919, the people of Kansas City, Missouri, expressed an outpouring of support and raised more than $2 million in two weeks for a memorial to the service of Americans who served in World War I. This fund was an accomplishment unparalleled by any other city in the United States, irrespective of population; and

            Whereas, on November 1, 1921, more than 100,000 people witnessed the dedication of the site for the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri; and

            Whereas, General of the Armies John J. Pershing, a native of Missouri and the Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, noted at the November 1, 1921, dedication that "the people of Kansas City, Missouri, are deeply proud of the beautiful memorial, erected in tribute to the patriotism, the gallant achievements, and the heroic sacrifices of their sons and daughters who served in our country's armed forces during the World War. It symbolized their grateful appreciation of duty well done, an appreciation which I share, because I know so well how richly it is merited"; and

            Whereas, the 217 foot Liberty Memorial Tower has an inscription that reads, "In Honor of Those Who Served in the World War in Defense of Liberty and Our Country" as well as four stone "Guardian Spirits" representing courage, honors, patriotism, and sacrifices, which rise above the observation deck, making the Liberty Memorial a noble tribute to all who served in World War I; and

            Whereas, the 106th Congress recognized the Liberty Memorial as a national symbol of World War I; and

            Whereas, the 108th Congress designated the museum at the base of the Liberty Memorial as "American's National World War I Museum"; and

            Whereas, the American's World War I Museum is the only public museum in the United States specifically dedicated to the history of World War I; and

            Whereas, the National World War I Museum is known throughout the world as a major center of World War I remembrance:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fifth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urges the United States Congress to designate the Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri, at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the "National World War I Memorial"; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.