The Belvedere

NPS photo

A belvedere is an architectural feature providing a particularly scenic view. At the World War I Memorial, the Belvedere is the conceptual center of the memorial, as it provides a commanding view of the elements and features of the memorial – the American Expeditionary Forces memorial and General John J. Pershing statue is located to the viewer’s left, the “A Soldier’s Journey” sculpture is to the front, and flagstaff are and quotes from President Woodrow Wilson and others are to the right.

At the center of the Belvedere is a large rendering of the front of the World War I Victory Medal centered upon the memorial floor. The medal depicts a winged Victory holding a shield and sword on the front, heralding the dawn of a new era of peace.

Exhibit panels along the Belvedere wall describe the American accomplishments of the war, roles played by Americans of all forces and the legacy of the war.

Encircling the exterior of the Belvedere are listed the names of the campaigns in which U.S. forces participated during the war:

Cambrai

Somme Defensive

Lys

Aisne

Montdidier-Noyon

Champagne-Marne

Aisne-Marne

Somme Offensive

Oise-Aisne

Ypres-Lys

Saint Mihiel

Meuse-Argonne

Vittorio Veneto

North Russia

Siberia

Atlantic Convoys

Western Atlantic

North Sea

Mediterranean