After being closed for more than seven years due to disrepair, the nation's largest monument to World War I, the Liberty Memorial, will reopen in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, May 25, 2002. 

    In 1998, an enormous restoration effort was undertaken to bring the memorial back to its original splendor...with a lighting system that is sure to awe spectators. In fact, GE Lighting has had the distinct privilege of taking part in the effort by donating the Ceramic Metal Halide bulbs that will illuminate the structure. As part of the reopening festivities, visitors can view the lighting ceremony of the Liberty Memorial at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25.

    "We are honored to play a part in the re-constructive process of the Liberty Memorial," said Michael Petras, GE Lighting's General Manager-Commercial and Industrial. "It has been a privilege to participate in lighting of one of the country's most historic landmarks. The monument is by-far one of the most impressive memorials our country has developed to honor the courage and sacrifices of past generations."

    For the project, the GE Ceramic Metal Halide bulbs were placed in a multifaceted lighting strategy that was transformed into a computer model. The model, which was created specifically for The Liberty Memorial's 217-foot tower, focused on replacing the old lamps, which were incandescent, with GE metal halide bulbs, which are brighter, more energy efficient and have longer life.

    The lighting strategy features four banks of floodlights that will hit the tower from cross angles, at different points of elevation. A second and third group of lights will also be utilized to highlight four guardian spirits that adorn the sides of the tower.

    Further efforts to revitalize the Liberty Memorial Museum will include support from various local contributors, including GE Employers Reinsurance Corporation, headquarted in Overland Park, Kansas.

    One of the General Electric Company's major business (NYSE:GE), GE Lighting is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. A leader in lighting technology, manufacturing and marketing in the global lighting industry, GE Lighting has operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Today, the company manufactures approximately 7,000 various lamp products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets. www.GELighting.com.

    The Liberty Memorial was built in 1926 to honor the men and women who served in World War I. Situated on 47 acres on Memorial Hill overlooking downtown Kansas City, it is managed by the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department. The Liberty Memorial includes the Liberty Memorial Museum, the United States only public World War I Museum. The museum collection is owned and managed by the Liberty Memorial Association, a 501(c)3 organization formed back in 1919 to build the Liberty Memorial.