You’re Invited: On Veterans Day, mark the centennial of “The Great War’s” end

The District of Columbia War Memorial (photo by Wikimedia Commons user MusikAnimal, shared under Creative Commons license)

This Veterans Day is the 100th anniversary of the first Armistice Day, the day in 1918 when the Allies and Germany signed the armistice that ended World War I. The District is holding its own commemoration this Sunday, “at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”

Barbara Bates, Forest Hills resident and local historian, extends an invitation to attend the centennial commemoration, honoring those who served from the District of Columbia. This event will be at the DC War Memorial and is co-hosted by the Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia (AOI) and the District of Columbia National Guard. The memorial is located on the south side of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool by the Ash Woods.

Bates has prepared a number of papers on World War I. Most are available to read on the AOI web site, and feature the contributions of people who once lived in our neighborhood. Her paper titled “The Emergence of American Air Power in World War One” highlights the role of Major General Mason Patrick, who lived at 3010 Albemarle Street. Or discover the many monuments and memorials to “The Great War” around DC.

Commemoration of the Centennial of the Armistice
Sunday, November 11, 2018
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The District of Columbia War Memorial
(Ash Grove) Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive, SW

US Park Police will reserve the right hand, west-bound lane for drop-off/pick-up for those requiring assistance. Public transportation is available via the DC Circulator (MLK Memorial Stop), metered parking is available in West Potomac Park on Ohio Drive. Ride-sharing recommended. Rain or shine.