Work on the project is proceeding, with construction set to start this summer, and be done in 2004. The two companies have participated in projects as recent as last year's restoration of the Washington Monument and as historic as the completion of the reflecting pool in 1922. Controversy has swirled around those sites, where supporters hope the 7.4-acre memorial will soon be built between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the Washington Mall. Opponents of the site emphasize that while they support a memorial to World War II veterans, they do not support one on this site. The design features a freedom wall, linked columns and a central pool, and two arches that signify victory in Europe and Asia, all of which opponents argued would block the unobstructed view of the Mall.
Supporters counter that modifications have corrected that problem.
The design is supported by the American Legion. The National Coalition to Save Our Mall and World War II Veterans to Save the Mall vowed today to keep fighting. The National Coalition to Save Our Mall For the rest of the day's U.S. news, click here . E-MAIL THIS PAGE Send this story to a friend. ABC News Internet Ventures.