Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association (Out of Many, One display)

World War I Memorial Wall

The World War I Memorial Wall was dedicated in 1963 as a permanent memorial to local men and women who died in WWI and the Spanish-American war. Shortly after WWI ended, over 1400 American Elms were planted along the eight-mile stretch of roadway known today as Des Moines Memorial Drive. The individual trees were planted to memorialize those lost.

Over time, due to Dutch Elm disease, utility work, street and right-of-way construction, storm damage and other reasons, many of the trees were lost. The local American Legion post proposed and built a more permanent memorial to those who were lost and the lost elms. The Monument consists of a 72-foot-long wall made from South Dakota granite. The center panel depicts the American Elm – a nod to the original trees. Engraved upon this memorial wall are the names of the dead to whom each tree was dedicated. It includes plaques dedicated to the unknown soldier, and others from outside our State and Country. Included are several from the Spanish-American War of 1898.

How it represents the community’s American experience:

World War I was a pivotal moment in America. The WWI Memorial Wall is a permanent physical reminder of the communities enduring commitment to commemorating those lost in the hostility.

On display along Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien, WA.