World War I Memorial
- Washington, DC
photo: National Park Service
Why go there?
The World War I Memorial honors the more than four million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I. More than 116,000 Americans were killed in action during the war. The principal feature of the memorial is an 80-foot-long relief sculpture by sculptor Paul Manship entitled "Spirit of America." The sculpture depicts a winged figure representing victory carrying a laurel wreath and a shield with symbols representing liberty, justice, and friendship. Inscriptions on the memorial include quotes from President Woodrow Wilson and General John J. Pershing as well as a list of American engagements during World War I.
