This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 452, a measure sponsored by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, that would authorize the Secretary of Interior to study the feasibility of designating the St. Louis Soldiers’ Memorial as a federal monument.  If approved, the new designation would bring much deserved visibility and national exposure to one of downtown St. Louis’ greatest historic structures. 

In remarks made earlier today on the House floor, Mr. Clay said, “At a time when our soldiers are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American people feel a special connection to our armed forces and have a very real need to visit shrines that honor our nation’s veterans.  The St. Louis Soldiers’ Memorial is a treasured, historic monument that deserves a federal designation.  It is an architectural masterpiece in the heart of downtown St. Louis that is truly underutilized and this new status would greatly increase its visibility and bring honor to all of our veterans.”

          If designated as a federal monument, responsibility for administering the memorial would transfer from the City of St. Louis to the National Parks Service.  The city has been studying how to better utilize the facility for several years.  Designation as a federal monument would also guarantee the highest standards of historic preservation for all collections and architectural features.

         Originally built to honor the veterans of World War I, The St. Louis Soldier’s Memorial occupies a seven-acre site in the heart of downtown St. Louis.  It houses an extensive collection of priceless military artifacts that date back to the early 1800’s.  The massive granite and marble structure was dedicated on October 14, 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  The building is highlighted by four exceptional military sculptures created by noted Art Deco master, Walker Hancock.  The huge statues depict the four most important virtues in a soldier’s life: courage, loyalty, sacrifice and vision.

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