Saint Louis Soldiers Memorial 1

The cenotaph of St. Louis Missouri's Soldiers Memorial is touched by the setting sun of mid November. This cenotaph is engraved with the names of... more

by Joshua House

Title

Saint Louis Soldiers Memorial 1

Artist

Joshua House

Medium

Photograph

Description

The cenotaph of St. Louis Missouri's Soldiers Memorial is touched by the setting sun of mid November. This cenotaph is engraved with the names of the 1075 soldiers and nurses from St. Louis who made the 'supreme sacrifice' during the First World War. Completed in 1938, the memorial only makes references in its reliefs and sculptures to "The World War". Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated the memorial in 1936 with the words "Here will rise a fitting structure—a symbol of devoted patriotism and unselfish service. We in America do not build monuments to war: we do not build monuments to conquests; we build monuments to commemorate the spirit of sacrifice in war—reminders of our desire for peace. The memory of those, whom the war called to the Beyond, urges us to consecrate the best that is in us to the service of country in times of peace. We best honor the memory of those dead by striving for Peace, that the terror of the days of war will be with us no more. May the beauty of this monument, which will rise on this site, cast a beneficent light on the memories of our comrades, may a substantial structure typify the strength of their purpose, and may it inspire future generations with a desire to be of service to their fellows and their country."

Uploaded

April 26th, 2012