National World War I Memorial (Washington, D.C.)
Park National memorial honoring American service in World War I
The National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. commemorates American service in the Great War with sculptures, inscriptions and public programming near Pennsylvania Avenue.
The National World War I Memorial is the United States’ national memorial to American participation in World War I, sited in Pershing Park on Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of the American Expeditionary Forces and other U.S. participants in the war.
The memorial combines sculptural elements, a landscaped plaza, and interpretive information to commemorate the conflict and those who served. The site functions as both a place of remembrance and a public urban space.
Following a redesign and congressional designation, the Pershing Park site was formally recognized as the National World War I Memorial in the early 2020s. The memorial complements other national commemorative sites on and near the National Mall.
The memorial sits on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets NW in downtown Washington, D.C., near other federal buildings and national monuments.
- Designation and site: Located in Pershing Park on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the site was designated the National World War I Memorial for the United States in 2021 after a redesign and renaming process.
How to Get to National World War I Memorial (Washington, D.C.) #
The memorial is a short walk from Farragut West Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) or Farragut North (Red line) - about 3-6 minutes on foot from either station. From the National Mall walk west along Constitution Avenue to 14th Street or approach by bus routes that run along Pennsylvania Avenue. Street parking is limited and metered.
Tips for Visiting National World War I Memorial (Washington, D.C.) #
- Visit at dawn or dusk for the light on the bronze and stone; the plaza's low sun brings out the reliefs' depth.
- Stand on the 14th Street side and listen - the city's traffic gives the memorial an urban edge that highlights the idea of a war remembered inside everyday life.
- Plan a visit on November 11 if possible; ceremonies and veterans' groups often hold wreath-layings that are quietly moving.
Best Time to Visit National World War I Memorial (Washington, D.C.) #
Best visited in spring or fall for comfortable weather and manageable crowds; the outdoor plaza is accessible year-round.
Weather & Climate near National World War I Memorial (Washington, D.C.) #
National World War I Memorial (Washington, D.C.)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1048 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
