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“A First Look” events build awareness of and excitement for new WWI Memorial
America paused to remember World War I on the 100th anniversary of its close: At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ended. America’s entry the previous year set the course of American history and ignited passions of allegiance and heroism in the four million Americans who served and the 116, 525 men and women who sacrificed their lives. For a period of five days this month, November 8 through November 12, citizens could look into the lives and stories of diverse groups and individuals who served and supported the US military in WWI. Nine public events held in Pershing Park, Washington, D.C., site of the National World War I Memorial, saluted all military and veterans who served in WWI and the 100 years since. Click here to read more about the A First Look special events that paid tribute to the significance of the anniversary of the Armistice.
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For the Armistice Centennial, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission hosted a number of events — concerts, religious services, education symposia, commemorations, gatherings — across the National Capital region, over the course of 8-12 November. The schedule represented an incredible partnership with such remarkable teammates as the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and many, many others. Called the ACE Events — for Armistice Centennial Events — they brought together long-term supporters of the Centennial activities over the years, with new members of our World War I community, many of whom have direct and indirect ties to people who served in the war. Click here to view galleries of photos that show the preparation and execution of some of the Commission’s own ACE events.
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Commissioner Naylor in Veterans Voices: “Veterans, Write your Story!”
Writing in the Fall 2018 issue of Veterans Voices magazine, World War I Centennial Commission Commissioner Dr. Matthew Naylor, who is also President and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO, encourages modern-day Veterans to follow the example of Americans who served in WWI: write about your experiences in the service of your nation. He notes that “sharing the veteran experience empowers the serviceperson and benefits their community” while “fostering a connection between the two while also deepening the connection between society and the military.” Click here to read Dr. Naylor’s entire thoughtful article connecting WWI Veterans with their contemporaries in the 21st Century.
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You can help share the written or spoken World War I memories of your own ancestors, family members, or others who served our nation 100 years ago by submitting their information to the WWI Centennial Commission web site’s Stories of Service section, using the submission form here.
From the World War I Centennial News Podcast
Historian Corner: David Pietrusza
In November 2nd’s WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 96, host Theo Mayer spoke with historian David Pietrusza about one of history’s deadliest pandemics, the Spanish Flu. This virus wreaked havoc on the war-weary peoples of the world, killing an estimated 50 to 100 million. Despite its massive impact, the history of the Spanish Flu is largely forgotten or ignored in the broader discussion of WW1. Mr. Pietrusza answers questions about the origins and consequences of the Spanish Flu, and why so little attention is paid to it. Click here to read a transcript of the entire absorbing interview,
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Episode #99
Thanksgiving Special
Host: Theo Mayer
What are we thankful for on this Thanksgiving? | @ 00:25
How to help build the National WWI Memorial in Washington DC | @ 02:45
Memorial Sculptor Sabin Howard on the sculpture design | @ 06:55
President Wilson’s 1918 Thanksgiving Proclamation | @ 10:50
Commission Executive Director Dan Dayton | @ 15:55
Commission Chairman Terry Hamby | @ 17:25
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A man is only missing if he is forgotten.
Monday’s MIA this week is Private Melvin Tinsley. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on 21 March, 1895, Melvin Darden Tinsley joined the United States Marine Corps on June 26th, 1917 and took his training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Assigned to the 48th Company/6th Marines/2nd Division, Private Tinsley arrived overseas on November 20th, 1917. He served in the Toul Sector, the Aisne Defensive, at Chateau Thierry, and finally during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, where he was severely wounded in action on July 19th, 1918 at Soissons. He died later that day of his wounds. Nothing else is known of his case at this time.
Would you like to help us solve Private Tinsley’s case? Can you spare ten dollars? Why not give ‘Ten For Them’ to Doughboy MIAand help us make a full accounting of the 4,423 American service personnel still listed as missing in action from WW1. Make your tax deductible donation now, with our thanks.
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Still one of the favorite WWI Centennial Commemoration items, this handsome key tag is a great addition to your keys! Inspired by an original World War One poster, this key tag features the dramatic image of a bayonet advance on the enemy, with the United States flag in the upper corner.
A functional way to show your patriotism, this 1-1/4” long, custom key tag has a bright gold finish, with color-fill, and is offered exclusively through the World War One Centennial Commission.
This and many other items are available as Official Merchandise of the United States World War One Centennial.
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Submitted by: Gus and LaWanda Zimmerman {Grandson}
John B. Kane was born around 1893. John Kane served in World War 1 with the United States Army. The enlistment was in 1917 and the service was completed in 1919.
Story of Service
The Khaki Road
My grandfather, John B. Kane, an architect who lived in the Philadelphia area, died when I was twelve years old. He never discussed his time in the service during WWI.
When my mother was an adult, she discovered a book he wrote to her when she was ten years old. The “little story” was typed on fragile onion skin paper, written as though he were telling his young daughter stories about his military service. We speculate that he wrote the book because WWII was just starting, and he couldn’t imagine how the leaders would allow such monumental sacrifice to occur again.
WWI was the first time Americans fought overseas, consequently resulting in the formation of the Graves Registration Service. His drafting experience was put to good use by designing and plotting the first of many American cemeteries in France.
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Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 