“Victory,” a word echoing through time. We stand before the Victory Monument in Chicago. It is more than granite and bronze. It is a tribute to the Eighth Regiment of the Illinois National Guard.
This African-American unit served bravely in France during World War I. The Victory Monument may be the only memorial dedicated to Black soldiers of that war. Imagine Bronzeville in 1927. The monument rises at 35th Street and King Drive.
John A. Nyden conceived it. Leonard Crunelle sculpted it. The monument honors the “Fighting Eighth”. They reorganized as the 370th U.S. Infantry. They fought valiantly on WWI battlefields. They pursued the German forces right before the Armistice.
Look closely at the white granite shaft. See the bronze doughboy on top. It was added in 1936. Three bronze relief panels adorn the shaft. The Victory Panel shows a draped African-American woman. She represents motherhood and holds a victory branch.
The Columbia Panel displays a helmeted woman. She holds a tablet listing battles where Black soldiers fought. The African-American Soldier Panel shows a bare-chested soldier. He stands with an eagle. He is from the 370th Infantry.
Feel the history etched into the bronze. Names of 137 fallen members are inscribed. The State of Illinois erected this monument. The Victory Monument stands in the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville District.
Since 1998, it has been a Chicago Landmark. Each Memorial Day, a ceremony honors these heroes. The Bud Billiken Parade often passes nearby. It brings celebration to this place of remembrance.
Consider the monument’s surroundings. To the north lies a court with plaques. They honor Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr., and other notable figures. To the south, a flagpole flies the American flag. The Chicago flag and the POW/MIA flag also fly here.
In 2017, the Victory Monument received a grant. This grant supported restoration during the World War I centennial. The Victory Monument stands as a testament. It embodies courage, sacrifice, and victory.
It reminds us of the contributions of African-American soldiers. They fought for freedom and recognition. The Victory Monument ensures their memory lives on.