World War I Memorial — Local services in Washington

I'm giving this memorial a 4 star review ahead of the highly anticipated "A Soldier's Journey" which will be installed in September 2024. This 58 foot-long bronze relief portrays the experience of an American soldier in WWI. Right now, there is a banner in place with a picture of the partially completed part of the bonze relief, along with the artist's rendering of what the other half will look like once it's finished. I've looked at videos online showing Sabin Howard's completed sculpture panels. The sculptures already appear as if they are popping out of the wall. It will be amazing at night when it's all lit up.

Currently, it's a mixture of Pershing Park with an incomplete WWI Memorial. The only memorializing is of General Pershing and his victories along with The Belvedere which lists the names of the campaigns on the outer wall. You'll need to walk into this architectural feature to see the WWI Victory Medal. The central view at the top gives you the full picture of the memorial as it was intended. Let's just say that it's not going to look complete until the bronze relief is installed.

We just happened to see it as we were walking down Pennsylvania from our hotel to the National Mall. I didn't even know it was there. There's a really cool inscription from Willa Cather on the steps off of 15th St. "They were mortal, but they were unconquerable" comes from one of her novels. The words are powerful. It speaks a lot to honor and duty. I'd love to see these words lit up at night with the rest of the memorial next time...

We haven't been to visit this wonderful memorial yet, and please correct me if I am wrong, but I will not expect to see anything about our "Hello Girls" here. That is to be expected as the male and many heroes tend to overshadow the female and few. But my humble suggestion is that we find a way to honor these pathfinders in whatever way can be done, here at this memorial, for the war that they "fought" in. No, they did not exist in the stinking hell that were the trenches. No, they did not charge forward across 'No Man's Land' at the behest of a weary NCO and his whistle. They volunteered to run telephone switchboards in France and the surrounding AO in order to further the allied war effort, or "Triple Entante", which later became more than three when Italy and the United States entered the fray. They all spoke French. At the time, communication between the French forces and their allies was basic at best. Combat directives need to be precise. These women volunteered to be the game changers to that dilemma. Within a week of their arrival and deployment, combat leaders from all allied players were praising the "Hello Girls," called so because they would always ask,"Hello, may I help you?", in a voice not expected over military communication channels... a female voice. Pleasant and willing to assist. And assist they did. Some say that without their very specific contributions, the "War to End All Wars" may have been lost to us. These women were truly something special and deserve to...

Title: A Solemn Tribute to Heroes Past: The National World War I Memorial

Review: Upon visiting the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., I was deeply moved by the profound tribute to the 4.7 million American men and women who served in the Great War. Located between 14th and 15th Streets on historic Pennsylvania Avenue, the memorial is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom.

The memorial's centerpiece, "A Soldier's Journey," is a stunning bas-relief sculpture that poignantly captures the essence of an American soldier's experience during the war. Its detailed figures, depicting the trials and triumphs of our brave soldiers, evoke a deep sense of gratitude and reflection.

The memorial also features the Belvedere, which offers a breathtaking view of its elements, including the American Expeditionary Forces Memorial and quotes from President Woodrow Wilson, framed by the majestic vista of the World War I Victory Medal.

As I walked through the memorial, taking in the serene surroundings and the weight of history, I felt a profound connection to the past. The monument is a place of remembrance and a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of those who fought for our country. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking to honor the legacy of our World...