World War I Memorial
Location: Washington DC
Program: Memorial
Client: The world War I Centennial Commission
International competition / Research
FORGOTTEN VICTORY, The configuration of the World War I memorial includes and reflects historical events and achievements in American history before and after World War I in order to demonstrate the relationship between the past, the current and the future. The configuration, which is called the “historical path”, describes for our generations the events of this monumental war. The public open space: the memorial site is nestled in the heart of the historical path. In the center of the memorial, a group of benches and trees represents different generations of the past, the present, and the future. Five statues standing in front of the group of benches and trees, lead all the generations to the same destination under the nation’s flag, which is the symbol of strength and protection of world peace and prosperity. The five statues also honor the service of the men and women of the United States’ armed forces in World War I, including the commander of the American expeditionary forces, General John J. Pershing. The benches and trees represent peace and prosperity earned by the sacrifice and dedication of the individuals who fought in the war, and provide a private park for the visitors and neighbors around the memorial. The forgotten victory: world war I could only have been achieved through the persevering dedications and sacrifices of the members of the armed forces of the united states and its allied nations. For generations to come, the memorial will be a place of pride; preserving our memory of our heroes and our victory.