Veterans to unveil model of WWII memorial in Batavia

Daily Herald report

The Pillars of Honor, a nonprofit organization, and the Batavia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197 invite you to a Day of Honor and unveiling of the original scale-model of the National World War II Memorial at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 at the VFW Post, 645 S. River St. in Batavia.

At this special reception, the original scale-model of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. will be unveiled, during a program honoring veterans and their families. The exhibit and event is brought to you by Pillars of Honor Inc. a local nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring World War II veterans unable to travel to Washington D.C. to see their memorial in person. Pillars of Honor brings the memorial to them. You may learn more at www.pillarsofhonor.org.

This is the original scale model that was used by former Sen. Bob Dole to present the memorial design to Congress. It was designed by Friedrich St. Florian from Providence, R.I.

Pillars of Honor has this model on loan for a limited time before it has to be returned and placed in the Smithsonian.

World War II vets now number less than 3 million. The average age of these veterans is 89 years old. These vets are missing out on the opportunity to get firsthand knowledge about their memorial and more importantly receive recognition for their contribution to our nation.

This Day of Honor experience gives vets the opportunity to learn about their memorial, talk with other veterans and reflect upon the sacrifices they and others made during one of the most trying times in the history of the United States.

Veterans should register their attendance immediately, no later than Feb. 6, to Pillars of Honor Inc, 770 Lee St. in Des Plaines, IL 60016 or call (847) 954-0520 for more information. For the general public, a $10 donation is requested.