This New World War I Memorial Needs Your Submissions

A new memorial to those who served in World War I is in the works for Washington, D.C. -- and officials need your help to complete the design.

The World War I Centennial memorial will feature a commemorative wall and open space for 28 trees, and will be located off the National Mall, about a block from the White House in Pershing Park.

It's being funded by private donations and will be the first official memorial in D.C. to all who served in the Great War.

A single World War I memorial stands off the mall currently, but it is specifically dedicated to those from Washington, D.C., who died.

So what does the commission need from you?

Quote submissions.

"Apt quotations are often powerful elements of memorials, and we plan to include similar inscriptions at the WWI memorial," officials said in a recent blog post.

"Hence, this request to you: Could you please identify what you consider to be worthy quotations for inclusion on the memorial," they wrote. "There are no restrictions on what might be a suitable quotation (other than probably being limited to a paragraph in length)."

Given that troops often come from long lineages of military service, we think you, the military family members, may have access to quotations that others do not.

Here are some examples of the type of quotes the memorial commission wants to consider:

• Quotations from generals and statesmen, as well as Doughboys, loved ones, and civilians;


• Quotes from Americans, as well as allies and adversaries;


• Quotations not just about the accomplishments of American troops, but about the nature of the battle, the costs and sacrifice, geopolitical aspects of the war, the socio-cultural aspects of the war in the U.S., the effects of the war on the home front, etc.;


• Quotations from those who experienced the war and those who served in it;


• Quotations reflecting the diversity of service and contributions from all segments of American society;


• Quotations from speeches, press reports, official reports and histories, as well as diaries, letters, memoirs, poems, songs, etc.

You can submit your suggestions via the comment section here, or by email to greatwar@earthlink.net.

The deadline for submissions is Oct. 1.