A stoic sentinel in stone. The 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial stands as a testament to courage. It honors the fallen soldiers. Let’s delve into its story.
The 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial stands as a symbol of American valor. It is dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives. They fought for liberty. They upheld our country’s ideals.
The First Division was formed in 1917. These troops were the first to arrive in France during World War I. They were the last to leave Europe in 1919. General John Pershing deeply admired this division. It became known as Pershing’s Own. He noted a special pride of service. He also noted a high morale. Hardship and battle never broke it.
The monument lists 5516 First Division soldiers. These soldiers gave their lives. The Memorial Association of the First Division erected the monument. Patriotic friends helped too.
The 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial was dedicated on October 4 1924. More than 6000 veterans and guests attended. Major General Summerall was grand marshal. President Coolidge gave the dedication address. The massed bands of the First Division played. They concluded with the Star-Spangled Banner.
People praised the 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial. They praised its design. They also praised its mission. For years it was the only memorial in Washington dedicated to World War I soldiers. The Commission of Fine Arts described it as the chief symbol of American valor. Its design and location bear out this position.
The 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial has inscriptions. The column base reads First Division United States Army American Expeditionary Forces June 1917 September 1919. A front plaque says The Names of Our Immortal Dead are Here Enshrined. Above the base the column reads Erected by the Memorial Association. It honors those who died. They gave their lives in the World War. This ensures our liberty endures.
The 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial mentions battles. These include Salzerais Aug 3-24 1918. Ansauville Sept 2-11 1918 and St. Mihiel Sept 12-16 1918. Others are Meuse-Argonne Sept 30-Oct 12 Oct 26-Nov 11 1918. Mouzon-Sedan Operation Nov 5-7 1918 and Coblenz Bridgehead Dec 13 1918 Aug 21 1919. The memorial also notes Sommerviller Oct 20-Nov 20 1917. Ansauville Jan 16-April 3 1918 and Cantigny April 19-June 8 1918. Montdidier-Noyon June 9-13 1918 and Cantigny June 14-July 8 1918 are listed too. Soissons-Aisne-Marne July 18-23 1918 is another battle inscribed.
The Commander in Chief noted a special pride of service in this Division. He noted a high state of morale. Hardship and battle never broke it. This quote from G.O.210-AEF-1918 is inscribed.
A plaque at the base honors the First-Infantry Division. It lists World War Two organic units. These include infantry regiments and field artillery battalions. Headquarters 16th Infantry 5th Field Artillery are named. HQ Company 18th Infantry 7th Field Artillery is there. Artillery HQ 26th Infantry 32nd Field Artillery is included. Artillery HQ BTRY 33rd Field Artillery completes the list. The 1st Eng. Combat BN. and 1st Medical BN. are mentioned. So is the 1st Recon. Troop 1st M.P. Co. The 1st Signal Co. and 1st QM. Co. appear. The 701st Ord. Lt. Maint. Co. and HQ. Spec. Troops round it out.
Many attached units helped the First Infantry Division. They helped achieve victory. Their loyal service is gratefully acknowledged.
Another plaque honors soldiers. These soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. It was in Desert Storm Iraq and Saudi Arabia 1991. It lists names under brigades and battalions. The 1st Brigade and 4th Brigade are named. The 4th Battalion and 1st Aviation are there. The 1st Battalion and 34th Armor are listed. So are the 3rd Battalion and 66th Armor. The 1st Battalion and 41st Infantry are mentioned. The 121st Signal Battalion and 25th Field Artillery appear. The 12th Chemical Company completes the list. It was erected in 1995.
The 1st Brigade Memorial War Memorial. A place for reflection. A tribute to sacrifice. A lasting reminder of freedom’s cost.