D.C. World War I memorial design unveiled

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Contest organizers have unveiled the winning design for a new World War I memorial in Washington, D.C., expected to cost up to $40 million and slated to open in 2018.

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission selected the design concept by Joe Weishaar, a Chicago architect, and New York City sculptor Sabin Howard. Named "The Weight of Sacrifice," it will be installed in Washington's Pershing Park near the White House in time for the centennial of the end of the war.

The war in Europe began in 1914 and ended in 1918. The United States' involvement was from April 1917 to November 1918. More than five million U.S. soldiers were mobilized, with approximately 116,000 killed.

The memorial will feature two walls, one 137 feet long, the other 81 feet. Between them will be trees, lawn and a sculpture. One wall will feature 23 figures in relief, depicting a transformation from civilians into battered soldiers. Work is expected to begin on Veteran's Day 2017, with the memorial's dedication and opening on Veteran's Day 2018.

There are no living U.S. World War I veterans, Edwin Fountain, commission vice chairman, said at the unveiling of the design Tuesday.