In 1917, millions of young Americans said goodbye to loved ones and marched off to serve in the Great War in Europe. By the end of that conflict—now called World War I (1914-18)—more than 116,000 of the 4.7 million U.S. troops who had joined the fight had lost their lives.
Now there is a national monument honoring their service. In April 2021, the World War I Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. Visitors can view engraved quotes and poetry, exhibits, a fountain and pool, and a statue of General John J. Pershing, who led U.S. forces during the war. But you’ll have to wait for the memorial’s centerpiece: a dramatic 58-foot-long sculpture called A Soldier’s Journey.
When completed, the series of large, lifelike figures will represent a range of war experiences: departure (leaving home), initiation (joining the war), ordeal (the terror and violence of combat), aftermath (battle-weary and wounded survivors), and return (a homecoming parade and reuniting with family).
Sculptor Sabin Howard is still working on the project. The finished piece is expected to be ready for public display in 2024.