Patriotic Crowd Observes 100th Anniversary of End of WWI
Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served. However, you might not realize Nov. 11 also marks the official end of World War I. Countries signed an armistice at the 11th month, the 11th day and the 11th hour.
“I think the serenity of this Drive really fits with the solitude that took place when the guns went silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” says Steve Chicoine, a local historian. “This memorial really captures that moment, which was a special moment in history.”
On this Veterans Day in Robbinsdale, people remembered the end of World War I. The war ended 100 years ago on Nov. 11, 1918.
“Robbinsdale is especially proud to have this wonderful memorial located within our city boundaries,” says Robbinsdale City Council member George Selman. “This memorial gets plenty of use by locals. I use it to reflect, teach and honor the 568 that were lost in Hennepin County.”
Victory Memorial Parkway Remembers Those Lost in WWI
Victory Memorial Parkway is one of a kind.
“I want people to know that these were individuals,” added Chicoine. “It’s so easy to say 568. Those 568 were a part of 116-thousand who died during the War that were Americans.”
History is easily forgotten. Victory Memorial Parkway is a reminder of the sacrifice men and women of the military have made, everyday.
Remembering Veterans Sacrifice
“We need to remember the sacrifice of these individuals,” stated Chicoine.
Hennepin County worked with community partners and local veterans to rededicate the memorial in 2011. Improvements include a revamped flagpole plaza, gateways marking the entries to the drive, expanded flowerbeds, new lighting, sidewalks and a resurfaced road. New trees replace those that had died of Dutch elm disease.
