The Monuments Men honored at the White House by President Bush

The Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art

Most of us are aware that World War II was the most destructive war in history. We know of the horrific loss of life; weve seen images of the devastated European cities. Yet How many among us have walked through a majestic museum such as the Louvre, enjoyed the solitude of a towering cathedral such as Chartres, or gazed upon a sublime painting such as Leonardo da Vincis Last Supper, and wondered, How did so many monuments and great works of art survive this war? Who were the people that saved them?

The major events of World War II Pearl Harbor, D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge have become as much a part of our collective conscience as the names of the books and films Band of Brothers, The Greatest Generation, Saving Private Ryan, Schindlers List and the writers, directors, and actors Ambrose, Brokaw, Spielberg, Hanks who brought these epic events and the heroism of that time to life for us once again.

But what if I told you there was a major story about World War II that hasnt been told, a significant story at the heart of the entire war effort, involving the most unlikely group youve never heard of? What if I told you there was a group of men on the front lines who quite literally saved the world as we know it; a group who didnt carry machine guns or drive tanks, who werent official statesmen; men who not only had the vision to understand the grave threat to the greatest cultural and artistic achievements of civilization but then joined the front lines to do something about it?
- from Robert Edsel, President and Founder of the Monuments Men Foundation

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