City of Mobile's Memorial Park Selected as one of 'First 50 Official WWI Centennial Memorials'

Sep 28th, 2017

The World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, in partnership with The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, announced that the City of Mobile's Memorial Park is one of the first 50 memorials officially designated as a WWI Centennial Memorial. The 100 Cities/100 Memorials was created to help draw attention to WWI memorials across the United States and enables all of America to take part in the WWI Centennial Commemoration.

The Stewards of Memorial Park, a private group of citizens, will receive $2,000 matching grant funds towards the restoration and maintenance of the memorial through 100 Cities/100 Memorials. They are pursuing a capital campaign to revitalize the park and fountain including new benches, landscaping, water features, lighting and walkways. In addition to these efforts, the City is investing nearly $19,000 of capital improvement funds to clean and repair the historic landmark. Restorations include repairing the broken and loose marble slabs, re-grouting all the seams between the stones and removing the dirt and stains acquired over time.

Dedicated in 1926, the monument was designed by local architect George B. Roger and was built using marble quarried from Sylacauga, Alabama. The original plaque listed 63 names of Mobilians who died during World War I. In May, the City installed an Alabama Historical Association plaque naming the other 53 Mobilians who also died during World War I but were left off of the original plaque.

"The official WWI designation honors all of the men and women who served our country during the Great War," said Mayor Stimpson. "It's important that we continue to uphold their legacy and remember their contributions to our country. I am thankful for the Stewards of Memorial Park who are committed to revitalizing this historic landmark."

For more information about the 100 Cities/100 Memorials and a full list of the memorial selected, click here. To make a donation to Memorial Park, email memorialparkmobile@gmail.com.