{"id":35411,"date":"2024-09-23T13:56:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T13:56:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cforbesinc.com\/?p=35411"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:52:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:52:58","slug":"honoring-history-the-first-illumination-ceremony-at-the-national-world-war-one-memorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cforbesinc.com\/?p=35411","title":{"rendered":"Honoring History: The First Illumination Ceremony at the National World War One Memorial"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Friday, September 13, 2024,<\/strong> marked an unforgettable evening in Washington, D.C., as the National World War One Memorial held its First Illumination Ceremony. The gathering was more than just a visual spectacle; it was a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who served in “The Great War.<\/a>” As the Memorial was bathed in light, each beam symbolized a story, a sacrifice, and a legacy that should never be forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following almost 3 years of neutrality as war raged in Europe, the U.S. declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. On November 11, 1918, Germany surrendered. In just 18 short months, over two million US forces were deployed \u201cOver There\u201d. In what was deemed \u201cthe war to end war\u201d, over 4.7 million American sons and daughters served during World War 1. The sacrifice was immense: 204,000 wounded Americans returned home; 115,516 did not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With no existing memorial in our nation\u2019s capital, the U.S. World War 1 Centennial Commission was created by an Act of Congress in 2013. The overall stated mission of planning, developing, and executing programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the Centennial of World War 1 included the building of a national memorial in Washington, D.C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At C. Forbes, Inc<\/strong>.<\/a>, we have had the distinct honor of working on this project since its earliest stages. From our initial commission in 2015 by the World War One Centennial Commission<\/a><\/strong> to our ongoing collaboration with the Doughboy Foundation<\/a><\/strong>, we have been deeply committed to preserving the memory of those who fought for freedom over a century ago. Through our customized gifts and keepsakes, we\u2019ve been privileged to help raise awareness and funds for this important cause, building a lasting community around this memorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Building a Legacy Together<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The story of the National World War One Memorial is not just about fountains, stone, and bronze\u2014it\u2019s about collective memory and national pride. Since being entrusted with the task of managing the official merchandise program at www.doughboy.shop<\/a><\/strong>, we have strived to create meaningful products that honor the past while supporting the future of the Memorial. Our unique offerings, from personalized keepsakes to event-specific memorabilia, have played a small yet significant role in helping keep the story of World War One alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In addition to the online shop, our firm has provided donor gifts and custom products at special events and meetings, creating touchpoints for individuals to engage with the Memorial and the legacy of World War One. Each item sold contributes directly to sustaining the Memorial and its mission to educate future generations about the war that reshaped the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Event to Remember: The First Illumination<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The First Illumination Ceremony on Friday night was a breathtaking display, where light and shadow danced across the faces of the Memorial\u2019s sculptures, bringing to life the sacrifices of the \u201cDoughboys\u201d\u2014the American soldiers who fought in World War One, the nurses and their famalies. Attendees were moved by the symbolism of the lights, which represented hope, sacrifice, and remembrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who couldn\u2019t be there in person, we highly encourage you to watch the replay of this powerful event below or on the Doughboy Foundation’s YouTube channel<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s an opportunity to witness a new chapter in the ongoing story of how we, as a nation, remember and honor the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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