A Soldier’s Journey: Honoring WWI Veterans and Reflecting on Invisible Wounds

A Tribute to Courage, Sacrifice, and Enduring Legacy

I recently attended the unveiling of A Soldier’s Journey, a bronze sculpture completing the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. Standing before this monument, I felt the weight of history, connecting me to the men and women who fought in a war that forever changed the world. The 58-foot-long sculpture, created by Sabin Howard and installed in September 2024, tells stories of courage, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of war on those who served. With 38 figures carved in high relief, it is the largest freestanding bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.

This memorial pays tribute to the 4.7 million Americans who served in WWI. The bronze figures capture pivotal moments in a soldier’s life—from enlistment to the horrors of battle and the hope of returning home. The inclusion of military families is particularly powerful, illustrating the far-reaching effects of war beyond the front lines. The final panel, depicting a soldier's return, evokes a deep emotional response. Gazing outward, burdened with unseen pain, one figure left an indelible mark on me. In this figure, I saw the struggles faced by countless veterans, enduring mental and emotional scars that persist long after the physical battles have ended. It is a poignant reminder that, although WWI ended more than a century ago, many veterans continue to bear these invisible wounds throughout their lives.

While A Soldier’s Journey honors those who fought, it also acknowledges the vital roles played by women and minorities during WWI. Women like the Hello Girls, who operated switchboards and facilitated battlefield communications, and African American units like the Harlem Hellfighters, who fought in segregated regiments, paved the way for greater equality in military service. Their legacy is reflected in the memorial’s portrayal of both men and women and military families. The depiction of families—capturing painful goodbyes and bittersweet homecomings—reminds us that the sacrifices of war extend far beyond the battlefield. The memorial also brings attention to the enduring psychological toll of war, such as what we now recognize as PTSD, a struggle that has affected veterans across generations.

The Importance of Memorials in Bridging Generations

As I stood before A Soldier’s Journey, it was surreal to think that none of the soldiers who fought in WWI ever saw this memorial. The collective work behind this memorial is the Doughboy Foundation ?, which supports programs, projects, and activities that educate the public about America’s participation in World War I.

Two innovative apps have been created to enhance the WWI Memorial visitor experience. One is designed for use at home or in the classroom, and the other is used at the memorial site.

• The WWI Memorial VIRTUAL EXPLORER App provides an AR (augmented reality)-)-driven, virtual field trip to the Memorial from anywhere in the world.
• The WWI Memorial VISITOR GUIDE allows Memorial visitors to explore various WWI AR objects as they visit the 1.8-acre park-like site. Objects include WWI planes and tanks, a 50-foot timeline tower, and virtual kiosk screens that help bring the war story to life.

Despite their service in one of the deadliest conflicts in history, their sacrifices were largely forgotten. This monument now offers them the recognition they deserve. As a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), I drew parallels between their experiences and those of my generation. Isolation, reintegration struggles, and unspoken trauma are shared across time. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is working to honor those who served in this ongoing conflict, ensuring our stories of sacrifice and resilience are preserved.

The future GWOT Memorial, designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and his team, will be a place where future generations can reflect on the weight of war and sacrifice, just as A Soldier’s Journey did for WWI veterans.

A Call to Action: Building on the Legacy

Honoring veterans’ legacies goes beyond remembering the past—it requires action in the present. Whether by supporting veteran organizations or advocating for mental health initiatives, we must ensure veterans’ needs are met and their sacrifices are honored. A Soldier’s Journey is a memorial and a call to action, reminding us to advocate for veterans today and ensure their stories are never forgotten. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is working to build a similar legacy for my generation, ensuring that the longest war in American history is honored with the same reverence as those before it. Moving forward, we must carry the lessons of A Soldier’s Journey—honoring the past while continuing to fight for today’s veterans. The legacy we create now will shape the future for generations to come.