'A stirring and impressive tribute'

American Legion National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford received a private tour of the new National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on April 15, calling it “a stirring and impressive tribute to an extraordinary generation of heroes.” 
 
The organization donated $370,000 toward construction, not including funds raised at the local level by American Legion posts, American Legion Riders chapters, American Legion Auxiliary units and Sons of The American Legion squadrons.
Meredith Carr, deputy director of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, affixes a poppy pin to the lapel of American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on April 15. Photo by Eric Kruszewski
Meredith Carr, deputy director of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, affixes a poppy pin to the lapel of American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on April 15. Photo by Eric Kruszewski
Terry Hamby, chairman of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, shows American Legion National Commander James W.
Terry Hamby, chairman of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, shows American Legion National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford around the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on April 15. Photo by Eric Kruszewski
American Legion National Commander James W.
American Legion National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford, left, and U.S. World War I Centennial Commission Chairman Terry Hamby pay their respects at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on April 15. Photo by Eric Kruszewski
From left to right are Terry Hamby, chairman, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission; Joe Weisharr, the memorial's architect; Meredith Carr, deputy director, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission; American Legion National Commander James W.
From left to right are Terry Hamby, chairman, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission; Joe Weisharr, the memorial's architect; Meredith Carr, deputy director, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission; American Legion National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford; and Larry Cline, the commander's aide. Photo by Eric Kruszewski
American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford pauses to reflect during a private tour of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., April 15. Photo by Eric Kruszewski
American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford pauses to reflect during a private tour of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., April 15. Photo by Eric Kruszewski