Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae’s immortal words of remembrance of all who fell in the Great War carried through a beautiful ceremony honoring the oft-forgotten war and America’s pivotal role. On Friday morning, politicians, historians, activists, military leaders, artists, and descendants virtually gathered to raise the American flag over the newly-erected World War I memorial in Washington DC.
As the last of the major 20th century US war veterans to receive a national memorial, those who served in WWI now have a powerful tribute to their sacrifice, bravery, and heroism. Hopefully, the monument will help return the Great War to public consciousness.
Since 1981, the one-and-three-quarter-acre space of Pershing Park has been home to the statue of Gen. John J Pershing. Lead designer Joe Weishaar was tasked with creating some context with the new additions. This includes a new layout for the plaza, reflecting pool and sculpture. But Weishaar said it hasn’t been easy. So many challenges, both because we re combatting the historic preservation elements, but also, how do you take what’s here and work with it, Weishaar said.
“In here we have interpretive educational content that describes both the conflict, the people who were in it, the ways that it impacted and changed the world, and then the sculpture, which won’t be installed until 2024, is really the story of American involvement in the war,” Weishaar said.
First Colors to mark opening of National World War I Memorial cecildaily.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cecildaily.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
WWI Veterans to be honored during online ceremony featuring Gary Sinise va.gov - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from va.gov Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.