Court House in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
American Legion Memorial of Arlington
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2019
1918
After the World War I (WWI) Armistice on November 11, a global commemorative culture paid tribute to all those affected by the war. County residents remembered lost service members through flag raisings, memorial trees, and other activities.
1924
In coordination with Arlington residents and veterans groups, Commander George D. Ricker (President of Arlington's American Legion Post 139) led the effort to plan, fund, and build this monument in Clarendon. Architect Adolph Thelander designed the monument which includes pink granite from Arlington National Cemetery.
1931
More than 2,000 people attended the dedication of this monument on Armistice Day. The occasion included a parade, speeches, the playing of taps, and a celebratory evening dance. The plaque on the monument listed 13 names of Arlington's fallen WWI service members, segregated by race, a reflection of the systemic racism pervasive in Virginia and across the nation.
1940
Population growth and changing traffic patterns at this intersection necessitated moving the monument less than one mile east to the former Arlington County Courthouse. The following year, the County provided the ball and eagle that now adorn the monument's apex.
1951
On May 30, the American Legion dedicated and installed two new plaques for Arlingtonians lost in World War II. This began the tradition of adding memorial plaques to honor all of our fallen heroes in subsequent conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam wars.
1986
After the completion of the Metro and the pending demolition of the Arlington Courthouse, the County again relocated and rebuilt the monument at this site (near the original location).
2013
On Armistice Day, the names of six Arlingtonians who lost their lives in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were placed on the monument. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to hear the final roll call for the fallen service members.
Today
The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts continue to honor the sacrifices of the service members memorialized on the monument through public ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
[Captions:]
Background Image: Officers Training at Fort Myer, Virginia, 1917 (Library of Congress)
A memorial ceremony in Clarendon before the construction of the existing monument. The Masonic Building (on the far left) at 3195 Wilson Boulevard is in the background.
The American Legion Memorial of Arlington at its original Clarendon location, ca. 1936.
Erected 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2019
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Places • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1918.
Location. 38° 53.177′ N, 77° 5.786′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Court House. Marker is on Wilson Boulevard west of North Hudson Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3185 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arlington County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); World War II (a few steps from this marker); Korean War (a few steps from this marker); Vietnam War (a few steps from this marker); World War I (a few steps from this marker); Global War on Terror (a few steps from this marker); Arlington Post Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Ball Family Burial Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.