Overview
Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, only a block from the White House, the World War I Memorial is dedicated to the millions of Americans who served and died in that massive conflict.
The memorial was built within what was once Pershing Park and at the site of the American Expeditionary Forces Memorial, dedicated in 1981 to honor the soldiers who served in Europe during the war and their commander, Gen. John Pershing.
In 2021, ABMC and the World War I Centennial Commission rededicated the site as the expanded National World War I Memorial. It honors all Americans who served, including service members from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, those who served in places other than Europe, and civilians as well.
Approximately 4.7 million Americans served during WWI. Two million were deployed to Europe and more than 116,000 died there, either in fighting or from non-combat causes like the influenza pandemic of 1918. Another 204,000 returned home wounded.
When the tree-lined memorial is finished, the dominant feature will be a nearly 60-foot-long by 7-foot-tall bronze sculpture that depicts the American experience in World War I.
Situated at the end of a large pool of water, the sculpture, entitled “A Soldier’s Journey,” will include a tableau of scenes, from the homefront departure of a single soldier through several battle images to a triumphant and ultimately somber return.
Its completion is expected in the fall of 2024 with the installation of the finished sculpture entitled “A Soldier’s Journey.”
The National Park Service is responsible for the maintenance and management of the memorial.
Photos
Cemetery Information
Visiting Hours
The memorial is open daily.
Contact Us
World War I Memorial
Pennsylvania Ave. NW and 15th St. NW
DC 20045
United States
Directions
GPS Coordinates:
38°
53'
45"
N
,
77°
1'
58"
W
The memorial is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., only blocks southeast of the White House, and across the street from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Travel via Car
The memorial is about 30 miles from Dulles International Airport and less than 5 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. From either location, head north on 14th Street SW, past Constitution Avenue NW, until reaching Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The World War I Memorial will be to the west, occupying the entire city block between 14th Street and 15th Street.
Publications
News & Events
Experience the history of World War I, “The Great War,” through an interactive timeline and map.
Remembering the all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment of the 93rd Division, aka the Harlem Hellfighters, as they fought segregation and the Germans in World War I.
The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) has just unveiled a total of 30 virtual 360 photo experiences of its cemeteries and its four memorials located in the United States, to mark ABMC's centennial.