Sabin Howard's "A Soldier's Journey," a 60-foot, 38-figure bronze sculpture and the long-awaited centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial, in unveiled in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion

Buglers from the American Expeditionary Forces Headquarters Band prepare to play the opening fanfare for the "First Illumination" ceremony at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion

Sabin Howard, center, talks to reporters about "A Soldier's Journey," a 60-foot, 38-figure bronze relief that serves as the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion

John "Jack" Monahan, The American Legion's representative on the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, speaks with actor Kelsey Grammer prior to the “First Illumination” ceremony at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion

Sabin Howard's "A Soldier's Journey," a 60-foot bronze relief and centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., is illuminated for the first time at a Sept. 13 ceremony. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion

American Legion National Commander Jim LaCoursiere, center, and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Joseph Navarrete participate in a candle-lighting ceremony to mark the illumination of "A Soldier's Journey," the sculptural centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion

Alfredo Diaz, commander of American Legion Department of State Post 68 in the District of Columbia, participates in a candle-lighting ceremony to mark the illumination of “A Soldier’s Journey,” the sculptural centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13. Photo by Alyssa Schukar/The American Legion