Cass Ballenger: “I would like to say that myself and the other two Members that have spoken on this side of the aisle all joined World…”

“I would like to say that myself and the other two Members that have spoken on this side of the aisle all joined World War II when we were 17 years old. My wife and I have read on a daily basis the number of World War II veterans that are dying at the rate of 1,000 a day; and those that do not believe that, just look at the obituary columns in the newspaper. Let me cite some of the reasons people give for not building this wonderful building. Critics claim that the memorial was approved behind closed doors by a small group of individuals without regard to the law. That is not true. Critics claim that the memorial would desecrate grounds made sacred by the civil rights movement and would greatly impede and prevent future public gatherings and marches in the vicinity of Washington and Lincoln. That is not true. Critics claim that the memorial will block the mall's open space between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, inhibiting pedestrians from walking through this part of the mall. That is not true. The design allows open flow of visitors between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Critics claim that the memorial would destroy the historic Rainbow Pool. That is not true. The Rainbow Pool will be lowered and rebuilt in its historic configuration. The pool's waterworks, which have not functioned for decades, will be restored to their original splendor.”