Saturday, September 13, 2025; 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park, Washington, DC
The Doughboy Foundation presents a World War I Living History at the National World War I Memorial in Washington DC. The event will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the National WWI Memorial located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th streets.
WWI Living History Day gives the public a chance to learn what it was like to be an American Doughboy during World War I. Through interactions with living historians, displays featuring original vehicles and equipment worn by soldiers, presentations, and musical concerts, attendees can get a glimpse into the era.
The one-day event will be held on the birthday of General John Pershing, the commanding officer of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Pershing will be honored with a wreath-laying ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the Pershing statue at the memorial and a concert by the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Band at 3:30 p.m. prior to the Daily Sounding of Taps at 5:00 p.m.
“Combining a symposium with prominent authors and historians, along with living history, is a great way to bring together educational resources while also honoring the birthday of General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces. Presented at the National WWI Memorial, the public will also have the opportunity to visit the new memorial, which features the 60-foot sculpture, “A Soldier's Journey” – Jari Villanueva, Executive Director, The Doughboy Foundation
Bring your family and friends for a wonderful day of education, reflection, and musical entertainment as we celebrate and commemorate General John Pershing's birthday.
Schedule:
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Living History Day
Hourly presentations along with WWI reenactors in the area all day. Displays from The Doughboy Foundation, The Hello Girls, 29th Division, and a 1918 Dodge Army Staff Car.
11:00 a.m. - Wreath Laying Ceremony
Pershing being honored with a wreath laying ceremony at the Pershing statue at the WWI Memorial in Pershing Park
3:30 p.m. - AEF Band Performance
American Expeditionary Forces Band performs at the WWI Memorial - Limited seating will be available.
5:00 p.m. - Daily Sounding of Taps
At the WWI Memorial.
Event is free and open to the public.
Your support for the Doughboy Foundation will help fund our mission in perpetuity, inspiring future generations of visitors and forever honoring our World War I veterans and all U.S. servicemen and women.
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