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Source: National WWI Museum press release
Breaking News
1-17-13

National WWI Museum to play key leadership role in Centennial Commission

The World War I Centennial Commission Act establishing a Centennial Commission based at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial was signed into law by President Obama on January 14, 2013.
 
The 12-member Commission will meet initially and regularly at the National World War I Museum and will develop programs, projects and activities to commemorate the Great War’s Centennial from 2014 to 2018. The Commission will also be in charge of fundraising for commemorative events as no tax dollars were appropriated in the law.
 
The Museum will play a pivotal role as plans continue to develop for America’s efforts to remember the First World War. Not only will the Commission be based out of Kansas City, but the Museum is appointed to one of the twelve seats on the Commission.
 
“We are proud that the Centennial Commission Act has become law,” said Dr. Mary Cohen, Museum Board of Trustees Chair. “The upcoming Centennial affords a unique opportunity for Americans to explore an important time in our nation’s history. The Museum looks forward to working with the Commission to honor those who served in World War I.”

.Appointments to the Centennial Commission must be made within 60 days of the law’s enactment. The members will be appointed by Congress and the White House, along with one member each to be named by the Museum, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
 
“We are grateful to all of those who worked tirelessly on this legislation particularly Congressman Emanuel Cleaver who shepherded the bill for more than five years,” said Cohen. “We also thank the nearly five million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion who supported our legislative efforts.”
 
Congressman Cleaver introduced the legislation with Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Missouri Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt.
 
For more information on the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, visit www.theworldwar.org.
 

Read entire article at National WWI Museum press release