On Christmas Day 1924, Jacksonville residents gathered to celebrate the dedication of its new Memorial Park and honor the fallen Florida soldiers it commemorated from World War I.
A hundred years later, almost to the day, Jacksonville residents again gathered at Memorial Park – this time to celebrate its centennial anniversary and to recreate the historic photo from that opening day.
The centennial celebration was held on Saturday, Dec. 14 with live music performed by the John Lumpkin Trio. Noted Jacksonville photographer Mark Krancer snapped the 2024 recreation photo.
“It’s iconic,” said Memorial Park Association President Patrick Emmet. “…It’s important to honor not just the people that died in World War I from the state of Florida – that’s who this Memorial Park is about – but also the families, the mothers that were there that day.”
Guests were also able to view the park’s newest feature – the Memorial Gardens Wall – which is nearing completion. Once completed, a separate ribbon cutting ceremony will be held for this art installation, which will feature plaques bearing the names of the fallen soldiers and the major players who have supported the park over the years as well as the park’s history.
“[Memorial Park] is a beautiful, beautiful tribute to those that fell in World War I,” Emmet said.
