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The "Monuments Men" Educational Project has one simple goal: To place a copy of Rescuing Da Vinci in every library in the United States including school libraries, grades seven through twelve, and all colleges. The story will then be available to all Americans equally via the most democratic of institutions – our nation’s libraries. In achieving this goal we will:
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Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, inspects art treasures stored in the depths of a mine at Merkers, Germany on April 12, 1945. Behind General Eisenhower are Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley (left), CG, 12th Army Group, and Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. CG, U.S. 3rd Army (right). Also pictured in the center is Major Irving Leonard Moskowitz. |
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Introduce to Americans a largely “untold” story: how America and her Allies located and saved many of the cultural and artistic treasures of Western Europe after their theft by Hitler and other Nazi leaders, and from the destruction caused by World War II. |
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Recognize and honor the many American, British and other Allied forces who found, protected, and restituted so many of these great artworks. Many went on to become leaders of the most important cultural institutions, museums in particular, in post-war America. |
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Educate, in particular our youth, about the history of World War II and this important story. The educational process will be a two-way exchange, a clearinghouse for those with information about these events. This will enable us to fill in the blanks of the story and may also contribute to the eventual discovery and return of missing artworks. |
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Emphasize the important and integral role served by libraries throughout the United States.
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This story – this “untold” part of history – is an opportunity to show not just Americans, but the world audience, the invaluable contribution that the United States Armed Forces, other Allies, and volunteer citizens have made to perpetuating mankind’s cultural history. This initiative is an ideal opportunity for business leaders to join a great and winning project while affirming the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
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