Doughboy Monument in Lybrook to receive World War I centennial memorial designation

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library recently announced that the final 50 World War I memorials will be awarded grants and honored with the official national designation as “WWI Centennial Memorials,” including Lynbrook’s Doughboy Monument.
All 100 memorials, in all 100 cities have now been designated, including such national landmarks as Soldier Field in Chicago; the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California; the War Memorial Veterans Building and Opera House in San Francisco; the Natatorium in Hawaii; and the National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. In addition, many smaller local community projects are being recognized. The newly designated memorials are in 37 different states and each will receive a $2,000 matching grant toward the restoration, conservation and maintenance of these local historical treasures.
The 100 Cities/100 Memorials program, sponsored by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library with support from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars has now awarded $200,000 in matching grants and designated 100 memorials in 100 cities.
“More than four million American families sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during World War I, 116,516 U.S. soldiers died in the war and another 200,000 were wounded,” said Terry Hamby, commissioner of the commission. “ The 100 Cities/100 Memorials [program] is a critically important initiative that will have an impact beyond these grants. These memorials represent an important part of remembering our past and preserving our culture.”
The profound impact of the war moved citizens in places across the U.S. to commemorate both the national and local sacrifices from the conflict through monuments, buildings, plaques, parks, groves — and even roads and highways.

The 100 Cities/100 Memorials program was created to help draw attention to World War I memorials across the country, and enables Americans to take part in the centennial commemoration. Many of these memorials have deteriorated over time, exposure to the elements, neglect and even vandalism.
The funds will be used to conserve, restore or improve these memorials. The program is also designed to raise community awareness for those who served, and provide a tangible connection to the profound impact the war had on local towns and cities, securing an important place in military history.
For more information about 100 Cities/100 Memorials, or to view an official project timeline, visit http://bit.ly/2iqqDR6. To learn more about the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, visit www.pritzkermilitary.org or @PritzkerMilitaryLibrary on Facebook. Information about the challenge can also be found on The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars websites.