One of my favorite spots in Atlantic City is right down the street in O'Donnell Park. Several monuments grace this park on a triangle of land where Albany Ave meets Atlantic Ave, including the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Civil War Sailors and Soldiers Monument AC NJ Civil War Sailors and Soldiers Monument AC NJ

But the monument I bring to your attention tonight is the World War I Monument, a Greek temple built in 1922-23 to honor WWI fallen heroes from Atlantic City. Around here we call it the monument, and many people go by in their cars every day without giving it a second glance. The only way to get proper pictures is to get out of the car and walk up to it, and yes it is worth the trip. The round temple with is its clean lines is a fitting memorial to fallen soldiers, and the decoration and carvings add weight and gravity to the the grace of the architecture.

WW I Memorial AC NJ

WW I Memorial AC NJ

WW I Memorial, AC NJ WW I Memorial, Atlantic City, NJ

The statue, "Liberty in Distress by Frederick MacMonnies, was installed inside the temple in 1929.

These pictures showcase the beauty of the temple and statue, but they can not conceal the wear and neglect. According to the Atlantic City Library website (http://www.atlanticcityexperience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25:world-war-i-memorial&catid=7&Itemid=11 ) in 1962, the City Council voted to demolish the temple and move the statue across the street. They balked at the $60,000 price tag, though, and thank goodness they did!

I remember how hard I worked to make the monument and statue look as good as possible while taking and editing these pictures. Maybe I have to go back and document the wear and tear. It's time to do something about it!