United States World War I Centennial Commission

[1] The Commission is in charge of planning, developing, and executing programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I.

When World War I broke out in Europe during the summer of 1914, the United States stuck to a strict policy of neutrality.

On August 4, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared to Congress that, "The United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name, during these days that are to try men's souls.

However, after years of unrestricted German submarine warfare, the sinking of the Lusitania, the Black Tom explosion, and the public release of the Zimmermann Telegram, the United States could no longer remain neutral in the international conflict.

[7] Pershing Park is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, adjacent to the White House, and two blocks from the National Mall.

Construction of the memorial is funded through private donation, with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars each giving $300,000 at the groundbreaking event.