World War I Memorial

Website

www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm

Coordinates

Telephone

One block off of the National Mall and across the street from the White House entrance, is the World War I Memorial and General John J. Pershing statue. The park honors the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I and the 116,516 service members that were killed. Initially opened to the public in 2021, the bronze sculpture was not completed for another 3 years. The official dedication ceremony was held on September 13, 2024.

World War I Memorial (38.896002, -77.033062)

The main sculpture of the memorial, “A Soldier’s Journey” depicts the experience of the American soldier during the war. From left to right, the 38 figures show the soldier leaving home, fighting battles, death, wounded, being gassed, recovery and returning home.

World War I Campaign Maps (38-895892, -77.032424)

John J Pershing Statue (38-895892, -77.032424)

Just East of the “A Soldier’s Journey” relief is the statue of General John J Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The statue was dedicated in 1983 after being approved by Congress 25 years earlier. Engraved behind the statue is a quote from his memoir, “My Experiences in the World War”:

“In their devotion, their valor, and in the loyal fulfillment of their obligations,
the officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces
have left a heritage of whom those who follow may ever be proud.”