Courtesy of its “Celebration of Freedom Campaign” in 2000, NFDA President Mark Musgrove, NFDA CEO Christine Pepper and the rest of the Executive Board witnessed firsthand the dedication of this memorial, honored to represent the thousands of NFDA-member firms that raised $3 million for construction of the National World War II Memorial. Complete coverage of the weekend's dedication events, plus a close-up of the memorial and an explanation of its symbolism, will appear in the September 2004 issue of The Director magazine. Meanwhile, if your firm held a hometown ceremony to honor World War II veterans in conjunction with the official dedication on May 29, please e-mail details and photographs, if available, to craymond@nfda.org.

Mere days before Saturday's ceremony, the FBI issued a warning about the possibility of terrorist attacks within the United States, listing first among possible targets the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. While the presence of extensive security measures, including metal detectors, military helicopters, Secret Service members and sharpshooters posted atop the memorial itself, did little to alleviate fears of those in attendance, perhaps the timing of the memorial's dedication is fitting, six decades after the fact. While those that oppose the freedoms we enjoy today operate “invisibly” and strike without warning, even within our own borders, maybe this trouble-free dedication should serve as one final lesson courtesy of those who overcame similar fears and prevailed against a no-less-dire threat to democracy 60 years ago, reminding us forever that the American spirit will ultimately triumph against the foes of freedom. – Chris Raymond, Editor, The Director

Photos courtesy of Christopher J. McCartin/Chris Cross Commercial Photography