C. Forbes, Inc. is proud to have been selected as the
Official Licensee for the World War One Centennial merchandise program. Pershing Park in
Washington, D.C. has been designated as the location for a national World War One
Memorial, which will be built to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices
of service members of the United States Armed Forces in World War One. The
wearing of this exclusive commemorative Victory lapel pin featuring a star, laurel
wreath, and U.S. insignia, honors the contributions of the past while showing
support for those of the present. Hand cast in jeweler’s alloy and hand finished
in a satin bronze patina.
While much of Europe became involved in 1914, it was in the
spring of 1917 that U.S. troops joined the campaign and through the end of
1918, fought alongside allied forces to secure victory. Upon honorable
discharge from service, soldiers received a bronze “victory button”,
recognizing their participation in the “Great War.” Personnel who were wounded
in action were awarded a silver lapel button. The five pointed star,
prominently displaying the “U.S.” insignia, symbolized victory, honor, and
glory. Surrounding the star is a wreath of laurel leaves. As an evergreen
plant, laurel has long been a symbol of victory over death, eternity and life
everlasting.
So recognizable was this design that the American Legion,
chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization, incorporated
it into its own emblem, still used today.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these pins will
be designated for the building of the Memorial. For more information on the
World War One Centennial Commission, please visit: www.worldwar1centennial.org. For
additional World War One Centennial merchandise, please visit www.worldwar1-shop.com or our website.