WWI Memorial Arch of St. Mary's

Specific Need

Restoration of the Memorial Arch in St. Marys.  The arch is crumbling and restoration is approximately 1.8 million dollars. 

The arch will be restored in 3 phases.

Phase 1-Fundraising, Demolition, Concrete Foundations, Concrete Structure, Order Stone--Goal $850,000

Phase 2-Fundraising, Stone Delivery, Stone Installation--Goal $600,000

Phase 3-Fundraising, Hard Scapes and Site Paving, General Landscaping--Goal $250,000

To date we have raised almost $500,000. TThis arch is dedicated to the first American officer killed in Europe during WWI, Lt. William Fitzsimmons, and the no less than 19 men who paid with the supreme sacrifice of their lives.

Mission

The mission of the St. Marys World War I Memorial Arch is to honor, preserve, and perpetuate the memory of Lt. William T. Fitzsimons, the first American officer to lose his life in Europe during World War I, and the 19 local men who made the supreme sacrifice in service to their country.

Profile

WWI Memorial Arch

The Story Behind the Arch

The World War I Memorial Arch is dedicated to Lt. William Fitzsimons specifically, and all other former St. Mary's College students who served in WWI. During the Great War, World War I, the Student Army Training Corps (STAC) was established at St. Mary's and the campus was crowded with students in STAC uniforms.  Over 700 of St. Mary's "old boys" (alumni) served in the war, and no less than 19 paid with the supreme sacrifice of their lives. 

One of these, Lieutenant William T. Fitzsimons, of the Medical Corps was the first American Officer to die in France, September 4, 1917.

On Memorial day of 1922, a fountain honoring him was dedicated in Kansas City, Missouri, which can still be seen on the Paseo, a short distance from interstate 70.

Meanwhile at St. Mary's, a magnificent Memorial Arch, gift of the College Alumni, was constructed at the main gateway of the college to honor Lt. Fitzsimons and all the St. Mary's sons who fought in the war.

Dedicated duing the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of St. Mary's in 1923, with Kansas Governor Jonathan M. Davis as a special guest, the Arch is surmounted by the Cross, and bears on either side of the inscription the old St. Mary's College seal, one commemorating the founding of the Society of Jesus in 1540, the other the founding of St. Mary's in 1848.