Washington, D.C
National World War I monument made in Englewood is unveiled in Washington D.C.
‘A Soldier’s Journey,’ the centerpiece of the nation’s World War I monument, was five years in the making in New Jersey by artist Sabin Howard
Timelapse: National WWI Monument being made in Englewood
Timelaspe: Master Sculptor Sabin Howard and his team assemble one of the panels of the National WWI Monument which is to be unveiled in Washington DC.
Tariq Zehawi, NorthJersey.com
With candles glowing and trumpets blowing, in a ceremony that combined stirring music and somber reflection, America’s World War I memorial was officially dedicated Friday night in Washington, D.C.
“The greats of the Italian Renaissance and their lineage played forward to create excellence in this memorial, and I know they are watching tonight,” said Sabin Howard, who assembled the mammoth bronze frieze over a four-year period in a 5,000-square-foot studio in Englewood.
He was speaking to the crowd of about 1,000 military veterans, politicians and the lay public, gathered at the recently created National World War I Memorial Urban Park — formerly Pershing Park — abutting the Federal Triangle in downtown Washington.
“This memorial is like a wedding ring,” said Joseph Weishaar, the architect of the project. “It is a symbol honor and fidelity and commitment that has remained vibrant for nearly a century between the nation and the men who served in the first world war.”
“A Soldier’s Journey,” the centerpiece of the nation’s World War I monument is a sculpture that tells a story.
So it was fitting that sculptor himself should be on hand, to narrate.
“This is a story of what happens to one family and one soldier when he enters into service for his country.” Howard said in a recorded narration during the presentation. “The soldier is an allegory for the United States. It explains the hero’s journey through World War I.”
In the presentation, called “First Light,” the crowd was taken, panel by panel, left to right, through the 58-foot long, 10-foot high bronze frieze.
As first one section and then another lit up, Howard — his recorded voice — told the story. The father, being handed a helmet by his little daughter, going off to war. The soldier, now one among many, in an agonizing tableau of bayonets and bombs, with fellow doughboys screaming and nurses caring for the wounded. And finally — in the last panel — the returning civilian handing the helmet back to his little daughter.
Then, after the crowd had a good look, sequentially, at the 38 figures, all the lights went up. And there it was, all complete: “A Soldier’s Journey,” dedicated on General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing’s 164th birthday, and the new main attraction in what used to be called Pershing Park on 11th Street.
It is now the National World War I Memorial Urban Park — the $40 million project of the World War I Centennial Commission (the war ended Nov. 11, 1918) and paid for largely through donations.
An appropriate setting
The sculpture itself, the largest freestanding bronze relief in the western hemisphere according to Howard, is just part of the project.
The whole square has been re-landscaped, with fountains, a reflecting pool, and berms on three sides to dampen the traffic noise and create a quiet atmosphere for contemplation. An existing statue of General Pershing by Robert White (grandson of architect Stanford White), on site since 1983, has been worked into the new scheme.
“It’s a very serene place,” said Joseph Weishaar, the architect of the park. “Especially with the fountains going. You have the roar of the water, evocative of the sounds of war.”
Memorials: North Jersey Sept. 11 memorial events remember those lost 23 years ago
It was Weishaar, winner of a design contest by the Centennial Commission for his submission “The Weight of Sacrifice,” who brought Howard on board as his sculptor of choice.
“His accomplishment is one of amazing craft,” Weishaar said. “I don’t think it’s rivalled anywhere. My role is like a jeweler making a ring. I made the ring. But Sabin is the diamond. The sculpture is the diamond. That’s the piece that everybody is going to be wowed about.”
On the reverse side of the tableau is inscribed part of a poem by Archibald MacLeish:
“Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope
or for nothing we cannot say; it is you who must say this.
They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We died. Remember us.”
Howard’s sculpture, like this verse, is not jingoistic. But neither is it cynical. It invites viewers to ponder the first modern war, the “war to end all wars” that killed 116,516 Americans (40 million worldwide) in a global cataclysm that was viewed by many afterwards as a tragic, senseless waste.
“As an artist, I’m very anti-war,” Howard said. “I didn’t make a sculpture about the glorification of war. I made a sculpture about human beings that are there in a very noble and heroic act of being in service to one’s country. This is their story. It’s to honor them. And I’ve had hundreds of letters from military families saying thank you, finally, for acknowledging us. The cool part is, they’re saying thank you for your service.”
That was, in its way, heroic too.
A long term project
For five years, Howard, his assistant Charlie Mostow, and a handful of others put in long days in the Englewood studio. For hours on end, models posed, Howard sculpted, and his wife, filmmaker Traci Slatton Howard, documented.
One by one, Styrofoam “maquettes” were covered with clay to create the figures, which were then transferred through a silicon mold to wax, which in turn became the ceramic shell. These were sent over to England to be cast in bronze. For the last month, on and off, Howard has been on-site in Washington D.C., supervising as the pieces were put in place with cranes, in the setting that Weishaar created for them.
“The reassembly was incredible,” he said. “Four panels, 38 figures, and everything has to fit. If it doesn’t, what are you going to do — chop away the stone or something?”
“A Soldier’s Journey” is a monument, in more than one sense.
To all the soldiers and civilians who served and died in World War I, certainly. More, to all soldiers, in all wars (veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars served as models).
But additionally, it’s a monument to an idea: Sabin Howard’s fervent belief that modern America needs a public, neo-classical art. An art that unifies rather than divides. An art that can ennoble our squares and promenades, the way Michelangelo’s and Donatello’s sculptures adorned the piazzas of Florence.
“In the Renaissance, they used to make sculptures like the David, and they would put it in the square,” said Howard, who trained in Italy and at the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts).
Such art, he said, uplifted. “It was a symbol of rising to the occasion, as a nation, and on a citizen level,” he said. “This is the exact same damn thing. I made a sculpture with 38 figures that shows a tapestry of the United States and its variety, with women, children, Democrats, Republicans, all under one flag as Americans. We are one unified country. That’s what the sculpture is.”
African Americans, Asians and Native Americans are included among the figures (though Howard takes the liberty of showing Black soldiers fighting alongside whites; the U.S. army was then segregated).
“This is something that brings us together,” Howard said. “Most modern art brings us apart.”
Aftermath of war
Ironically, it was World War I itself, and the ensuing cynicism about war and sacrifice, that gave rise to the iconoclastic modern art movements that dominated Western culture for the last 100 years. With “A Soldier’s Journey,” Howard wants to use that same war as a jumping off place, to bring the heroic back to art. “This is an American cultural renaissance,” he said.
His next project is also in that vein: an “American Exceptionalism Arch” project in Dallas, which will probably be completed 10 years from now. It too, will uplift and ennoble. “It’s another epic sculpture, which this many figures and this amount of story,” he said.
One thing he says he learned from working with veterans during the World War I project: the notion of being “in service of.”
“I feel that my work is in service to something greater than myself,” he said. “That’s what I’m so excited about.”
Washington, D.C
New statue on National Mall celebrates ‘long-lasting bond’ between Trump and Epstein
There’s a new statue on the east end of the National Mall for Washington DC residents and tourists to enjoy. The bronze statue shows two men frolicking, grinning wide and holding hands, each with a foot joyously kicked back.
“We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein,” a plaque at the bottom of the spray-painted bronze installation reads. A permit from the National Park Service will allow the statue to stay on the National Mall grounds through 8pm on Sunday.
The fabricator of the statue remains unknown, but it has artistic and thematic similarities to recent art pieces critical of the president.
Past sculptures on the National Mall that paid side-eyed tribute to Trump include a bronze pile of poop perched on a congressional desk to “honor” January 6th protestors, and a statue titled “Dictator Approved,” featuring a golden thumbs up crushing the Statue of Liberty’s crown and the base featuring approving quotes of Trump from Vladimir Putin, Jair Bolsonaro, Kim Jong-un and Viktor Orbán.
The sculpture’s spotlight on Trump’s past relationship with the convicted sex trafficker underscores what has been a particularly persistent thorn in the president’s side, and has caused fissures in the Trump’s typically united Maga base.
While the president has worked to quash interest into the two’s former friendship, the issue continues to surface again and again.
An alleged letter from Trump to Epstein in the latter’s 50th birthday book included a drawing of a nude woman’s torso asserting that the two had “certain things in common” and that “enigmas never age”. Trump is far from the only notable presence in Epstein’s birthday book and flight logs, with other big names including the former president Bill Clinton and attorney Alan Dershowitz.
Lines from the alleged birthday letter are printed verbatim on the statue’s plaques – one beneath Trump’s feet, one beneath Epstein’s and another on the third honoring “Friendship Month,” that features two outstretched hands forming a heart
The president offered the press a scathing response to the statue.
“Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit – but it’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep,” a statement from the White House read.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Kennedy Center Sunday evening for a prayer vigil after Charlie Kirk’s murder at Utah Valley University.
Members of Congress and the Trump cabinet were among those reflecting on Kirk’s legacy and how his death is impacting the country.
“The leaders of the nation have been shaken, as have university students and college students and young people all across the country — the ground was shifted beneath us. We all felt it deep, deep,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “In spite of that, we remember that our dear friend Charlie would never want us to be overcome by despair.”
While prominent leaders attended the prayer vigil inside the Kennedy Center, lines of people waiting to get in for the prayer vigil formed outside.
National Guard troops — some with long guns — maintained presence on and near the property. There were officers from several different local and federal agencies in their cars and on foot.
A lone protester with a megaphone made anti-Trump statements, but the vigil went on as planned.
Some participants told News4 they didn’t necessarily know or agree with all of Kirk’s views, but they wanted to pay their respects.
“Talking, but not fighting with each other or swearing at each other or throwing things at each other, so I admire that greatly,” said Jim Norris who was waiting in line.
“I’m just showing my respect for Charlie Kirk,” said Esther Hyun, another attendee. “I admire him, and I think he was such a good debater.”
Inside the event, speakers reflected on Kirk’s life and legacy, condemning the violence that took his life on Wednesday in front of thousands of people who had shown up for his Turning Point USA event.
While his critics describe him as divisive and wrong on his views, those at the vigil said they appreciated his willingness to stand for what he believed in and have open dialogue.
“I admire his style of giving opinion and or his belief and listening to another person,” said Nancy Ferrell.
“I think part of why he founded that organization was people felt kind of isolated, and that’s when people tend to lash out,” said another attendee. “They feel like they’re not being heard.”
A memorial service for Kirk is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. President Donald Trump says he will attend the service.
Washington, D.C
DC students display art skills at special ‘Culture on the Corner’ showcase – WTOP News
Students and alumni from D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts are preparing for a special showcase as part of D.C.’s Art All Night festival.
Layla Bunch may only be 17 years old, but she has already accomplished more than many her age could ever dream. She attends the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest D.C. as an opera singer and music theater student.
This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker.
In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker.
DC students bring together music, art and fashion to special art showcase
She recently returned from Europe, where she and other students performed opera in France and Italy, including at the 1,000th anniversary of Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral in France.
“While we were performing there, our voices just rang throughout the cathedral, and it was just so beautiful and so touching,” Bunch said. “While I was in Italy, we were studying at an opera school, and we were five out of six of the youngest people there.”
Bunch was one of several Duke students preparing to perform Saturday for the “Culture on the Corner” showcase, which is part of D.C.’s Art All Night festival. The showcase brings together students and alumni from the art school to perform music, visual art and spoken word.
This year’s edition features a special performance with Bunch, joined by Grammy-winning artists Headliner and Rasa Don, of the hip-hop band Arrested Development, as well as harmonica virtuoso Frédéric Yonnet.
‘Opera is the base’
“Ever since I was younger, I’ve loved performing, and I’ve loved watching performances,” Bunch said.
Her journey began in the sixth grade after a teacher asked her to sing an opera song for a good grade. The teacher then recommended that she apply to Duke.
“Opera is the base of all music, kind of like ballet is the base of all dances, and Shakespeare is the base of all theater,” Bunch said. “It’s one of the main things that you need to learn.”
While she is taking advantage of all the opportunities that Duke has helped her achieve, she still has more goals to pursue. Bunch said she still has objectives to complete unrelated to her music career.
“I really do want to go to college so I can again learn and gain new experiences, because you truly never stop learning,” she said, adding that the European trip gave her a “head start” to dorm life.
Exhibition life
Sasha Goecke, 16, loves being creative. She told WTOP that she can put together jewelry and clothing, as well as write, draw, paint and take photographs.
As part of the showcase, she created two fashion pieces that will be on display in “The Adolescent Perspective” exhibit. Goecke first created a ski mask, also known as a “Sheisty,” out of rubber bands. She also created a Met Gala-style gown made entirely of soda tabs she had been collecting since the fifth grade.
“I watched this movie about Joan of Arc, and she had chain mail on,” Goecke said. “I thought it was really interesting how the metal linked together, and I wanted to try and recreate that.”
Alum Cire Wilson discovered his love for photography while attending Duke. Now, alongside fellow Duke alumnus Locke Randall, they are the founders of photography company Elemental Studios.
The duo first created at the Anacostia Arts Center before bringing it to the Saturday event. Now, they hope to build new relationships to continue living out their artistic dreams.
“(Photography) just became a passion where I can express myself and my views through a lens,” Wilson said, who added he hopes his art will keep him connected to his D.C. roots.
“It started from being in yearbook and just doing little shoots from here and there, doing events and doing just stuff around the school,” Randall said. “But I fell in love with it, so I wanted to pursue it. I knew in my heart that I was an artist at heart.”
Meanwhile, as Arrested Development and Yonnet finish their rehearsal on Friday night, Benjamin “Benji” Rivera, 16, strokes his paintbrush up against a wall where he is making his first mural.
Generally used to paint on canvases, Rivera said his goal was to show iconic events, such as the H Street Festival, in full color.
“I typically like to do stuff like this, where it’s leading heavy more into the color, and kind of bending more like the representational and making it playful and just more childlike,” he said.
The student hopes not only to build connections through his work but to find opportunities outside the norm. Instead of one canvas that a collector could purchase, Rivera wants to create art that “everybody could appreciate it.”
“My hope is to just like reach out and touch places that don’t really necessarily get recognized or get appreciated,” Rivera said. “Just have working spaces there to just brighten it up.”
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
They Call Him OG Movie Review: Action-packed yet narratively uneven gangster drama
Mail stolen from 6 USPS mailboxes across Fort Lee, N.J. Map shows where residents need to be wary
Human plague case reported in Bernalillo County, second in state this year
USDA terminates annual Hunger Survey as food banks see growing demand
Enrollment up nearly 4% at North Dakota public colleges, universities
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Read the Letter to the Inspectors General
GOP senator blasts Schumer, Dems as 'forcing' shutdown while demanding price tag report
Palestine as a state – what would that actually look like?
Farage refuses to criticise Trump over paracetamol despite health experts dismissing autism claims
House plans Thursday vote on government funding bill to extend spending through November
-
World1 week agoTrump and Zelenskyy to meet as Poland pressures NATO on no fly zone over Ukraine
-
Technology1 week agoNew Evite phishing scam uses emotional event invitations to target victims
-
Health1 week agoDiabetes risk quadruples with use of popular natural remedy, study finds
-
Politics1 week ago
House plans Thursday vote on government funding bill to extend spending through November
-
Business1 week agoDisney, Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery sue Chinese AI firm as Hollywood's copyright battles spread
-
Health1 week agoWho Makes Vaccine Policy Decisions in RFK Jr.’s Health Department?
-
Finance3 days agoReimagining Finance: Derek Kudsee on Coda’s AI-Powered Future
-
Lifestyle1 week agoBobbi Brown doesn’t listen to men in suits about makeup : Wild Card with Rachel Martin