A new World War I memorial was unveiled to the public in Washington, DC on Saturday – one day after a dedication ceremony that included a military jet that captured some in the capital.
The memorial for ‘The Great War’ of 1914-1918 honors the 4.7 million who served in the fighting, and the 116,516 Americans who died during the conflict.
“In some ways, the Great War has changed America’s thinking about ourselves and redefined our place in the world,” President Biden said in recorded remarks made during Friday’s dedication ceremony. “We wrestled with what we stood for, what we were prepared to fight for and to die for and to defend, principles of freedom and democracy.”
People visit the newly opened World War I memorial in Washington. (Associated Press)
“Let us remember all that was sacrificed, all that was sanctified by the proud brave Americans who served in World War I,” Biden added. “More than 100 years have passed, but the legacy and courage of the Doughboys going to war and the values they fought to defend are still alive in our country today.”
The memorial was built in Pershing Park near the White House, which was already a tribute to General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American forces during the war.
People visit the newly opened World War I memorial in Washington. (Associated Press)
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During Friday’s online ceremony, two F-22 birds of prey flew over the area around 11 a.m., with the loud rumble of the planes briefly interrupting a White House newsletter led by press secretary Jen Psaki and a welcoming ceremony in the Eisenhower office for the Japanese office. visiting prime minister, led by Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Wow! There’s a plane right above,” Psaki said as he addressed reporters.
Harris soon stopped commenting on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as the planes passed by, according to a video.
Plans for the memorial began in December 2014, when then-President Barack Obama signed legislation authorizing the United States World War II Centennial Commission to pay tribute.
A man visits the newly opened First World War Memorial in Washington. (Associated Press)
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Friday’s ceremony in the park included the raising of an American flag flying over the Capitol on April 6, 2017, the 100th anniversary of the day the US entered the war, the last of the country’s four largest 20th century battles commemorated with a memorial in Washington.
The memorial contains fountains and sculptures.
Associated Press contributed to this story.