The visitor center at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery is in the final stages of transformation. Started in September 2015, the building is being renovated to create an interpretive visitor experience. And after nearly a year of construction, the exhibits are being installed this week. While the history of the Great War and America’s involvement is vast, the renovated building will focus on the Meuse-Argonne Campaign and the commemoration of more than  14,000 Americans buried within the hallowed grounds of the cemetery.

The exhibits show how a relatively inexperienced American Army fought against a seasoned enemy. Men from all walks of life—different races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic status—fought as part of the American forces during the war. These soldiers saw and experienced new warfare technologies that had never before been unleashed on human beings. And despite these factors that seemed to work against American forces, extreme bravery and courage proved to be the sounding call of the offensive with more than 50 Medal of Honor recipients.

Constructed in the United States, all of the exhibit materials had to be shipped overseas, eventually arriving by truck at the cemetery. Next week will include the installation of the audio visual elements, followed by the installation of the visitor assistance area and offices. This renovated 1,600-square-foot space is expected to reopen to the public in late 2016 with an official dedication to occur in 2017.