WASHINGTON -- The largest gathering of World War II veterans since 1945 assembled on the National Mall to witness the dedication of their long-awaited memorial May 29. More than 100,000 people were on hand as President Bush officially accepted the National World War II Memorial on behalf of a grateful nation. The 7.4-acre granite and bronze tribute took 17 years to complete. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)