Weather, memorial smile on veterans

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Near-perfect weather welcomed thousands of World War II veterans yesterday to the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on the Mall.

"This is the day of my life," said Fred Miccio, 84, who overcame being hospitalized last week with a flulike sickness to attend the ceremony. "I've waited a long time."

Mr. Miccio arrived from Houston alone after a friend who was supposed to accompany him broke his leg.

"I was determined to come down here," he said.

Mr. Miccio, who fought with the 30th Engineer Topographical Battalion in North Africa from 1942 to 1944, was in his seat by 9 a.m. By the time the dedication ceremony began, he had been sitting under the sun for more than five hours.

"It's not bothering me at all," he said of the sun, his hands trembling slightly. A half-empty pack of cigarettes was in his breast pocket.

The mid-70s temperatures were a relief for organizers and safety officials who feared heat and humidity would cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke or more serious heart problems among the visitors and the World War II veterans, the youngest of whom are in their late 70s.

"We are so lucky that the weather is mild," said Betsy Glick, spokeswoman for the American Battle Monuments Commission, which was responsible for the memorial's design, construction and funding.

Still, the sun was too much for James Demakis, 83, of Peabody, Mass., who took part in the invasion of Normandy with the 825th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

"I need a break from the sun," said Mr. Demakis, who had forgotten his hat and was now sitting under a tree after about three hours on the Mall.