President Obama Signs World War I Legislation

President Obama has signed the World War I Centennial Commission Act, introduced by Congressman Cleaver. This establishes a World War I Centennial Commission which will spearhead the planning and execution of the war commemorations throughout the country and in Kansas City in 2014. 

"This is an extremely important and exciting day for Kansas City and all of Missouri's Fifth District," said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. "After years of working on this legislation, we can now finally say, it is done. And soon the eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, will be on Kansas City as we prepare for the centennial commemoration of World War I." 

The Congressman spoke on the House Floor about the importance of this issue in December.  Video is available here. 

"We look forward to working closely with the Centennial Commission to inspire citizens throughout the nation to learn more about this important time in history and discover ways in which they can honor the past," stated Dr. Mary Cohen, Board of Trustees Chair, National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial."

This legislation reflects the original bill Congressman Cleaver first introduced in 2008 to honor the memory of our veterans and to ensure that the upcoming centennial will be appropriately remembered.

"I believe this bill is a symbol of bipartisanship and cooperation, and I have been pleased to work with both sides of the aisle to see it enacted," said Congressman Cleaver. "Millions served in World War I, many of them making the ultimate sacrifice, and now it is our job to serve their memory. Kansas City is home to the National World War 1 Museum at Liberty Memorial and I am thrilled this Commission will benefit from their contributions to our country."

Congressman Cleaver introduced this legislation with Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Missouri Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt. The 12-member centennial commission will meet initially and regularly at the Liberty Memorial.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressman Cleaver also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.