WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved legislation backed by Senator Claire McCaskill to designate the Liberty Memorial as the host of a new World War I Centennial Commission.

"This is great news for Kansas City and for the Liberty Memorial," McCaskill said. "This site is already a sacred memorial for those who sacrificed for our freedoms and now it will add another goal to its mission. I'm confident the Liberty Memorial will serve as an excellent host for this commission and I know the centennial celebrations will be carried out with the honor and dignity our troops and veterans deserve."

The legislation establishes a twelve member commission that will be responsible for planning, developing and executing programs, projects and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. The war began in 1914. The Commission will also develop recommendations for Congress and the President for commemorating the centennial.

The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, which recently passed a similar version of this legislation. The modified Senate legislation won broad support and is expected to pass in the House of Representatives if Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner brings his chamber back into session before the end of 2012. The legislation has the support of Senator Roy Blunt, as well as Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, who has championed efforts on behalf of the Liberty Memorial in the House.

Last year, McCaskill introduced legislation to designate the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City as a National World War I Museum and Memorial.

McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran, has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee since joining the Senate in 2006.

Read more about McCaskill's work for veterans by clicking HERE.

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