{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://cleaver.house.gov/press-release/kansas-city-takes-center-stage-world-war-i-centennial-commission-sworn", "Kansas City Takes Center Stage as World War I Centennial Commission Is Sworn In", "2013-09-13", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas City \u2013 September 13th \u2013 Missouri\u2019s Fifth District took center stage today as the Commissioners of the newly-formed World War I Centennial Commission took the oath of office. \nFormer Congressman Ike Skelton (appointed to the Commission by President Obama) was elected Chair of the Centennial Commission. \n\u201cI cannot think of a more appropriate person to head this group,\u201d said U.S. Representative Congressman Cleaver. \u201cCongressman Skelton understands the importance of ensuring that the nation properly observe the anniversary of WWI, and will exhibit to the country the respect and honor so richly deserved by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.\u201d\nCongressman Cleaver began working on the establishment of the WWI Centennial Commission in 2005 when he entered Congress. The bi-partisan legislation was passed and signed into law by the President earlier this year. Following the swearing in ceremony, the Commissioners officially began the first meeting. \u201cI look forward to many accomplishments from this group,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cAnd with Ike Skelton leading the way, I know this is a great beginning.\u201d \nRetired Colonel Robert Dalessandro, Executive Director and Chief of Military History at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, was elected Vice Chair. \nThe full list of Members of the WWI Centennial Commission also includes: Edwin L. Fountain, a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the international law firm Jones Day; James S. Whitfield of Independence, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and formerly of the American Legion; Dr. Mary Cohen, Chair of the Museum Board of the National World War I Museum; Retired U.S. Army Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela of Texas; Jerry L. Hester of North Carolina, formerly Chairman of the 70th Anniversary WWI National Committee; Colonel Thomas Moe, USAF (Ret.), former Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services; James B. Nutter of Kansas City, MO, a pioneer in mortgage lending and founder of James B. Nutter & Company, Inc.; Stephen L. \"Steve\" Van Buskirk of Shawnee, Kansas, former\u00a0Director of Programs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters\u00a0; Dr. Libby O'Connell, PhD., Chief Historian and Senior Vice President for Corporate Outreach at A&E Television Network.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://cleaver.house.gov/press-release/kansas-city-takes-center-stage-world-war-i-centennial-commission-sworn"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5981239266693592, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}