Elks National Veterans Memorial facts for kids
The Elks National Veterans Memorial is a grand building in Chicago, Illinois. It's built in a style called Beaux Arts, which means it looks very classical and impressive, with a big dome on top. This special building was created by a group called the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, often just called the Elks. They wanted to honor their members who bravely served in World War I.
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The Elks National Veterans Memorial
What is the Elks Memorial?
The Elks National Veterans Memorial is a place of honor. It remembers the Elks members who fought for their country. It's also known as the Elks National Memorial and Headquarters Building because it serves two important purposes.
Building the Memorial
The Elks held a competition to find the best design for the memorial. Many architects shared their ideas, and Egerton Swartwout's plan was chosen. Construction began in 1924 and finished in 1926. To make the building truly special, fine marble was brought from many places. Some came from countries like Greece, Austria, France, Belgium, and Italy. Other marble came from different states in the U.S., including Vermont, Tennessee, Alabama, and Missouri. High-quality limestone was also used, coming from Indiana.
The memorial is known for its beautiful design and amazing artwork. People have called it "one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world." Famous artists helped create its beauty. Sculptors like Adolph A. Weinman, Laura Gardin Fraser, and James Earle Fraser made statues. Painters Eugene Savage and Edwin Blashfield created stunning murals.
Inside the Memorial
The main circular room inside the memorial is called the rotunda. Here, you can see murals and statues that show the Elks' four main values:
- Charity (helping others)
- Justice (being fair)
- Brotherly love (caring for each other)
- Fidelity (being loyal)
Around the room, there are long bands of sculptures called friezes. One side shows the Triumphs of War, celebrating victory. The other side shows the Triumphs of Peace, celebrating harmony. At the entrance, two large bronze sculptures of elks stand guard, welcoming visitors.
Honoring Veterans
The Elks have honored veterans from many wars at this memorial. They rededicated the building several times:
- In 1946, for veterans of World War II.
- In 1976, for those who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
- In 1994, to honor veterans from all conflicts since then.
Because of its importance and beauty, the City of Chicago gave the memorial special landmark status on October 1, 2003. This means it is a protected and historically important building.
More Than a Memorial
Besides being a place to remember brave veterans, the Elks National Veterans Memorial also serves as the main office for the Elks organization. It's their national headquarters, where important decisions are made.
