WWI War Memorial - West Pullman Park, Chicago, IL
Posted by: 
adgorn
N 41° 40.216 W 087° 37.848
16T E 447489 N 4613358
The West Pullman Improvement Association donated this memorial to
the 7000 soldiers and sailors from the community who died in service
in World War I.
Waymark Code: WMH9NB
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 06/11/2013
Views: 3
More from the Chicago Park District pdf (
visit link)
"The association raised $10,000 for the monument which was unveiled on Labor Day in 1919. The dedication ceremony included a parade of ex-servicemen in uniform and speeches by dignitaries such as Samuel Fallows, a Civil War veteran who had become well known for his efforts in prison reform, temperance, and public education. The monument originally included a granite base with bronze plaques listing the names of servicemen who died in action. Above the base, an
upper granite pedestal has carved ornamentation relating to the Army and Navy and an inscription to the “heroic youth who served in the world conflict.” A bronze eagle with outstretched wings originally topped the upper pedestal. In 1942, the bronze plaques were removed and melted down and used in the World War II effort. Sadly, the eagle was stolen several years later. Today, the World War I Memorial is topped with a granite pyramidal form and there are inscribed panels in place of the bronze plaques, also commemorating WW2, Korea and Vietnam."
The website above has a photo of the eagle atop the original monument.
LOCATION: 401 W. 123rd Street
INSTALLED: 1919
About the surrounding park from the Chicago Park District: "Located in the West Pullman neighborhood, West Pullman Park totals 15.64 acres and features an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums and multi-purpose clubrooms. A green feature of the park includes a natural savanna area. Outside, the park offers tennis/ basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, playground, and spray pool."