This memorial honors comrades from Hennepin County who made the supreme sacrifice for their country in World War 1914—1918. It was erected by the American Legion of Hennepin County and dedicated May 30, 1923. Victory Memorial Drive was constructed by the Board of Park Commissioners of Minneapolis, and its trees, one for each departed comrade, were a gift of Charles M. Loring, who also provided a fund for their perpetual care. The trees were dedicated individually June 11, 1921, by the citizens of Minneapolis under the auspices of the American Legion. In Minneapolis on November 26, 1921, F. Foch, Marshal of all France and Supreme Commander of Allied Armies, praised the memorial as magnificent and said honoring each individual in this way maintained bonds between the living and the dead, upheld national traditions, and fostered patriotism. In Minneapolis on August 10, 1921, John J. Pershing, Commanding General, A.E.F., called Victory Memorial Driveway a fitting monument to Hennepin County’s heroic dead where present and future generations could witness a grateful community’s tribute and reflect on their duties as citizens. The American Legion Constitution, adopted at the First National Convention in Minneapolis on November 11, 1919, pledged devotion to God and country, defense of the Constitution, preservation of memories of the Great War, promotion of peace and good will on Earth, and transmission of justice, freedom, and democracy to posterity.