Okay, so, I’ve been working on this thing with the World War I Memorial. It’s called the “Edwin Fountain Challenges World War I Memorial” project, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey. I’m Edwin Fountain, by the way, Vice Chair of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission.
It all started with the idea of redeveloping Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. into a proper national memorial for World War I. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not quite. There’s a lot that goes into creating a memorial, especially one of this magnitude.
First off, I had to get a team together. I reached out to Joe Weishaar, who’s a really talented architect, and Sabin Howard, an amazing sculptor. Together, we started brainstorming what this memorial could be.
We knew we wanted something that really captured the experience of the soldiers, or “doughboys” as they were called. That’s where Sabin’s idea for the sculpture “A Soldier’s Journey” came in. It’s this incredible 58-foot-long bronze piece that shows the story of one soldier’s experience in the war, from leaving home to fighting in the trenches and then returning. There are 38 figures in total, and it’s just… powerful.
- Getting the Word Out: I even went to the National Press Club to present our plans. It was important to me that people understood what we were trying to do and why it mattered.
- Designing the Memorial: We spent countless hours going over designs, making sure every detail was just right. We wanted the memorial to be a place where people could come to reflect, to learn, and to remember.
- Bringing it to Life: Seeing Sabin’s sculpture take shape was something else. It was like watching history come alive. Each figure tells a part of the story, and together, they create a narrative that’s both moving and educational.
- Overcoming Challenges: There were definitely some bumps along the way. Coordinating everything, getting the necessary approvals, and just the sheer scale of the project was daunting at times. But we kept pushing forward, driven by the importance of honoring those who served.
And now, seeing the sculpture in place at the memorial in D.C., it’s all been worth it. It’s a place where the stories of these brave soldiers can be told and remembered for generations to come.
This whole experience has been a lot of work, but also incredibly rewarding. We’ve created something that I think truly honors the spirit of those who fought in World War I. It’s a reminder of their sacrifice and a testament to the human spirit.
If you ever find yourself in D.C., I really encourage you to stop by the memorial and see it for yourself. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
The Takeaway
This whole thing has taught me a lot about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of remembering our history. It’s been a real honor to be a part of this project, and I hope it stands as a lasting tribute to the heroes of World War I.
