In the early morning hours of November 11, 1918, the blast of sirens jolts the residents of St. Petersburg out of their beds. They will soon find out “The War to End All Wars” is over. Mayor Al Lang closes the schools and asks businesses to shut down to celebrate. By 5:30 a.m., thousands have gathered in Williams Park to hear the official news of the armistice that ended World War I, and to pray for thanks. Later that afternoon, a parade filled with veterans, including those from both the Grand Army of the Republic and the Confederate Army, march down Central Avenue. Twenty years after the end of World War I, the St. Petersburg chapter of the American War Mothers dedicates this memorial at the entrance to Williams Park to honor the sons of St. Petersburg who served in World War I. Inscribed on the monument – God gave us sons; we gave them to our country and our country gave them back to God.
This historical image of St. Petersburg, and many more, are available in the Museum’s archives. For more information, visit HistoryStPete.org.
