The 16th Street World War I Tree Memorial

The 16th Street World War I Tree Memorial. . , On May 30, 1920, Memorial Day, a crowd including many veterans gathered at this intersection to dedicate the first of 507 Norway maples that would make up DC's 16th Street World War I Tree Memorial. Assistant Secretary of War Benedict Crowell and DC Commissioner Louis Brownlow spoke, the Marine Corps Band performed, and a Navy chaplain offered prayers., The American Legion planted the trees in the stretch between Allison Street and Alaska Avenue. A copper plaque atop the 6-inch-tall concrete post next to each tree was engraved with the name of one DC casualty of “The World War” (1917-1918). In early 1922, another 23 trees and markers were added between Varnum and Allison streets, for individuals who had been left out earlier. At the height of segregation, the memorial honored all equally, regardless of race , or gender., On subsequent Memorial Days, people decorated the trees and markers with flags and poppies. Over time, though, the 2.3-mile-long memorial faded from memory. Trees died or were removed during street work, and the plaques disappeared. Only a few of the posts are visible in the ground today., This commemorative sign was dedicated on February 6, 2022, upon the centennial of the installation of the last of the 530 memorial trees and markers. The sign was made possible by the generous financial support of the members of the Association of the Oldest inhabitants of the District of Columbia and the DC State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution. James Reese Europe Post No. 5 of the American Legion, DC Water, and Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A also supported the project.