World War I Wreath Laying Tribute to the States and Territories

The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission hosted a series of commemorative events on Veterans Day weekend, beginning with a wreath-laying tribute to the states and territories that sent Americans to fight in the Great War 100 years ago. Photos by Eric Kruszewski
Jonathan Elias, evening anchor at WJLA-TV and Army War College instructor, emcees a wreath-laying ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
Jonathan Elias, evening anchor at WJLA-TV and Army War College instructor, emcees a wreath-laying ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
Representatives of each U.S. state and territory place wreaths in honor of Americans who served in World War I during a ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
Representatives of each U.S. state and territory place wreaths in honor of Americans who served in World War I during a ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
The U.S. Army Band
The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" Brass Quintet plays patriotic music during a wreath-laying ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, center, and event emcee Jonathan Elias, evening anchor at WJLA-TV, right, observe a moment of silence after placing a wreath in memory of America's World War I veterans at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C, on Nov. 8, 2018.
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, center, and event emcee Jonathan Elias, evening anchor at WJLA-TV, right, observe a moment of silence after placing a wreath in memory of America's World War I veterans at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C, on Nov. 8, 2018.
Wreaths representing every U.S. state and territory commemorate the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I, of which 116,516 made the supreme sacrifice, during a ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
Wreaths representing every U.S. state and territory commemorate the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I, of which 116,516 made the supreme sacrifice, during a ceremony at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.
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A "First Look" pavilion gives visitors a preview of the sculptural wall that will be the centerpiece of the future National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2018.