PRESIDENT HARDING DEDICATES VICTORY MEMORIAL BUILDING
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 14, 1921, President Warren G. Harding dedicated the Victory Memorial Building* as a "gathering place for Americans, where American minds can meet in fruitful exchanges."
Speaking to a distinguished audience here in the Nation's Capital, the President recalled that "an institution to disseminate learning, culture and understanding of right principles in government" had been called for in George Washington's last will.
A copy of that will, along with other historical artifacts, was placed in the cornerstone of the building later in the afternoon.
The Victory Memorial project was sponsored by the George Washington Memorial Association.
*George Washington Victory Memorial Building project began in 1897 with the goal of building a National University in honor of GW. The project failed due to a lack of funds but donations were transferred to George Washington University. The land designated for the building was used for the National Gallery of Art & the metal box installed in the cornerstone was retrieved.
SOURCE
"Victory Memorial Shrine Dedicated By The President," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 14, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
