85th Division, Polar Bear Monument MI
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Description: The 85th Division, also known as the "Custer Division," was a U.S. Army infantry division that served during World War I and World War II. The division earned the nickname "Custer Division" in honor of General George Armstrong Custer, and it was activated in 1917 as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. The Polar Bear Monument is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the 85th Division who served in northern Russia during the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War from 1918 to 1919. The monument commemorates their bravery and sacrifice during this little-known conflict. The Polar Bear Monument is located in North Coast Harbor Park in Cleveland, Ohio. It consists of a bronze polar bear statue standing on a granite base, symbolizing the division's nickname and its service in the harsh conditions of northern Russia. The monument also includes plaques with inscriptions that provide historical context and honor the soldiers who served in the 85th Division. The memorial serves as a reminder of the division's unique role in history and pays tribute to the soldiers who fought in this lesser-known theater of World War I. It is a place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifices made by the men of the 85th Division and learn about their contribution to the war effort.