Kansas City Takes Center Stage as World War I Centennial Commission Is Sworn In
Kansas City – September 13th – Missouri’s Fifth District took center stage today as the Commissioners of the newly-formed World War I Centennial Commission took the oath of office.
Former Congressman Ike Skelton (appointed to the Commission by President Obama) was elected Chair of the Centennial Commission.
“I cannot think of a more appropriate person to head this group,” said U.S. Representative Congressman Cleaver. “Congressman Skelton understands the importance of ensuring that the nation properly observe the anniversary of WWI, and will exhibit to the country the respect and honor so richly deserved by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Congressman Cleaver began working on the establishment of the WWI Centennial Commission in 2005 when he entered Congress. The bi-partisan legislation was passed and signed into law by the President earlier this year. Following the swearing in ceremony, the Commissioners officially began the first meeting. “I look forward to many accomplishments from this group,” said Congressman Cleaver. “And with Ike Skelton leading the way, I know this is a great beginning.”
Retired Colonel Robert Dalessandro, Executive Director and Chief of Military History at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, was elected Vice Chair.
The full list of Members of the WWI Centennial Commission also includes: Edwin L. Fountain, a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the international law firm Jones Day; James S. Whitfield of Independence, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and formerly of the American Legion; Dr. Mary Cohen, Chair of the Museum Board of the National World War I Museum; Retired U.S. Army Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela of Texas; Jerry L. Hester of North Carolina, formerly Chairman of the 70th Anniversary WWI National Committee; Colonel Thomas Moe, USAF (Ret.), former Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services; James B. Nutter of Kansas City, MO, a pioneer in mortgage lending and founder of James B. Nutter & Company, Inc.; Stephen L. "Steve" Van Buskirk of Shawnee, Kansas, former Director of Programs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters ; Dr. Libby O'Connell, PhD., Chief Historian and Senior Vice President for Corporate Outreach at A&E Television Network.
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, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.