| During the period from April 1920 through July
1921, the remains of many servicemen buried in Europe during World
War I were disinterred. These remains were either reinterred in
selected cemeteries in Europe or returned to the United States.
Of these, the remains of about 2100 were reinterred in Arlington
National Cemetery, specifically, in Section 18. Through the efforts
of the Argonne Unit American Womens Legion, the Argonne Cross
was erected to their memory and in their honor. It is situated
in the southwest corner of Section 18 and faces east. A grove
of 19 pine trees are on 3 sides of the Cross (North, West and
South). These trees are symbolic of the Argonne Forest where many
of the men fought. At the juncture of the arm and stem of the
cross is carved, in low relief, an eagle and wreath.
The inscription on the east side of the base reads:
IN MEMORY OF OUR MEN IN FRANCE
1917 1918
The inscription on the west side of
the base reads:
ERECTED * THROUGH * THE * EFFORTS
* OF * THE ARGONNE * UNIT * AMERICAN * WOMENS * LEGION |
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