The first of more than 1,200 memorial markers that honor the men and women from Washington state who gave their lives during World War I are being installed along Des Moines Memorial Drive.

Some 1,200 elm trees were planted along the roadway in 1921 as a "living" memorial. Today, less than 250 of those trees remain.

Disease, radical pruning and utility installations decimated most of the elms over the past 84 years, and many have reached the end of their natural life span.

The disappearance of these trees led to the creation of the Des Moines Memorial Drive Advisory Committee in 2000.

With representatives from King County, Highline-area cities, other interested public agencies and concerned citizens, the committee planned and coordinated the restoration and maintenance of this memorial.

Because the roadway has changed so much in the past 80 years, however, there is not adequate space to replant all of the lost trees. Instead, permanent markers are being installed in new sidewalks to memorialize those veterans.

The corridor management plan proposes that trees be replanted in sections of the drive where growing conditions are most favorable.

"We do not want to forget our history, or those who gave their lives in service to this country," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"It is our hope that these new markers can serve as a long-lived reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I."

The markers are embedded in sidewalk panels and consist of a bronze star surrounded by an embossed pattern of elm leaves with a brick accent.

Once Des Moines Memorial Drive is fully restored, it could incorporate more than 1,200 memorial markers and trees placed at 80-foot intervals.

"The Des Moines Memorial Drive is the only living memorial to those who sacrificed their lives for our country in World War I," said King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, who serves on the committee.

"I have heard from veteran's groups, neighborhood leaders, local historical societies and others who were very concerned about preserving this unique and beautiful memorial."

The first of the new memorial markers are now being installed as King County improves the roadway between South 99th Street and South 128th Street. It is the first project carried out under the new guidelines, and includes installing curbs, gutters and sidewalks on both sides of the roadway.

The existing four-lane roadway will have a new asphalt overlay and the roadway will be re-striped to a three-lane section with one through lane in each direction, a two-way left turn lane, and five-foot wide bicycle lanes.

"The final plan for Des Moines Memorial Drive makes important improvements to the condition and function of the roadway, while maintaining its spirit as a tribute to the sacrifice of Washington families during World War I," said King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, D-West Seattle.

"The design for the memorial markers is both attractive and powerfully symbolic."