Remembering the Fallen
The "Memorial Gateway" of Washington and Lee University was designed following World War 1 as a way to honor alumni who died during the conflict. The original design for the gateway is featured here, and was the highlight of the 1920 Calyx. We also include the following quote about the memorial below. Since then, additional plaques have been added to memorialize alumni who gave their lives in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, the War on Terror, and in the September 11, 2001 Attacks.
Though these kind words were meant for a generation of soldiers from over a century ago, we feel comforted by their timeless relevance this Memorial Day.
Quote from the 1920 Calyx:
"A Memorial Gateway at the entrance to the Campus, is to be erected by the Alumni and Friends to the memory of the heroes of Washington and Lee, who entered the Service for the World War. This gateway will be constructed of granite, limestone and brick. Its base will rest on a great granite block, the main columns rising from this are made of brick, these will bear bronze plates on which will be inscribed the names; this is topped by limestone blocks surmounted by an iron lamp. The main column is over seventeen feet high, the driveway distance is twenty-four feet and the distance between the smaller columns for the pedestrians is between five and six feet. These smaller columns are of limestone. The whole makes up a very attractive and impressive monument.
Time heals most things, yet not even Time can quite wholly efface the tender memory we have of our men who threw aside all selfish thoughts and concentrated themselves to service in the gigantic battle which the world waged for the Liberty of Humanity.
So quietly they went, yet with eagerness, not blindly, but with eyes fixed on that one goal -- to save a startled world from slavery. Each one a man's man, in various walks of life, yet having one "souls-side" common to them all, the capacity for nobility and sacrifice. Some died as we would have them die, fighting for Right, faces to the Foe, trusting God, and no man can name the burdens borne nor any man forget.
And to our reverence and gratitude prompts us to erect this Memorial, our love too for their memory. Love that flows on through the years, ever widening and deeping [sic] as it flows."
Click here to see the full 1920 Calyx:: https://digitalarchive.wlu.edu/islandora/calyx-1920?absolute=1&language=en