New World War I Exhibit Opens at Arlington National Cemetery

On Friday, representatives celebrated the opening of a brand-new exhibit at the Arlington National Cemetery, commemorating the 100th anniversary of America's involvement in the First World War.

The exhibit was created in a partnership between Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).

Officials said the exhibit largely focuses on America's experience in the war, and how places like Arlington National Cemetery and other battle monuments became "focal points for remembrance and commemoration of the Great War."

"The exhibit is thematic in nature, covering everything from the arrival of the U.S. on the battlefield, to the influence of technology on the war, from the experiences of African-Americans and women during the war," representatives said. "There is also a special emphasis on the repatriation of fallen service members back to the U.S. and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the creation of ABMC cemeteries overseas."

"This is the first time Arlington National Cemetery has created a large-scale thematic exhibit in the Welcome Center," said Christopher Warren, Arlington National Cemetery historian. "This exhibit educates our visitors not only on the history of ANC, but also on how a specific conflict changed the very nature of commemoration in the United States."

"Visitors will learn how the First World War affected the American public and how the aftermath of the Great War still influences us today."

For more information, visit ANC's website.

Images courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Army.