WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) today announced he would be hosting a reception on Friday May 28, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in his Washington, D.C. office, 506 Cannon House office building, for veterans and their families who are planning on coming to Washington, D.C. for the National World War II Memorial Dedication Ceremony on May 29, 2004.

“As the National World War II Memorial is being dedicated in the nation's capital during the Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of thousands of veterans and their family members will be traveling to Washington for the dedication or other related tributes,” said Putnam. “I would like to welcome those veterans and their families from the 12th District of Florida to my office in Washington, D.C. for refreshments and any assistance they may need during their stay.”

The World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during the Second World War. The four-day Tribute to a Generation celebration will run over Memorial Day weekend 2004, May 27-30. The formal dedication is set for Saturday afternoon, May 29, 2004.

“There is a reason why America cares for its veterans, for these are the men and women who bore tremendous sacrifice so that all of us may be free. This memorial will stand as an important symbol of national unity and will be a permanent reminder of the service of millions of young men and women for the sacrifices they made,” said Putnam.

The World War II Memorial, established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, honors all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. The Second World War is the only 20th century event commemorated on the Mall’s central axis.

For further information on the reception, please contact Congressman Putnam’s Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-1252, or his website at http://www.adamputnam.house.gov. For more information on the National World War II Memorial and the Dedication Ceremony, please call 1-800-639-4WW2 or visit their website at http://www.wwiimemorial.com.