Legion’s memorial project has 180 entries

Since its release in November, The American Legion's Veterans Memorial Identification Project has already attracted 180 submissions from 36 departments. The National Executive Committee approved the project in October at the Fall Meetings, through which Legion Family members can find, photograph, collect information on and upload entries on veterans memorials and monuments in their area. One goal of the database is to help defend against challenges to memorials that have religious language or symbolism. For more information about the Veterans Memorial Identification Project, visit www.legion.org/memorials.

A similar project has also been undertaken by the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library as an offshoot of the 100 Cities/100 Memorials fund-matching initiative. The Memorial Hunters Club is part of an attempt by the organizations to map World War I monuments and memorials across the country. Approximately 900 have been identified and listed, but estimates place that at less than 1/3 of the total. The WW1 Memorials Map, showing those already listed, is designed to be viewed on a smartphone.

Legion Family members who have already posted World War I memorials on the Legion's site are welcome to post them with the Memorial Hunters Club as well.