James Glenday, North America Correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, is perplexed. In a recent article about the efforts of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission to build the National World War I Memorial in Washington, DC, he writes: “To an Australian, the task sounds like it should be simple. Build a national World War I memorial in the centre of Washington DC in time for the 100th anniversary of the armistice. America is a nation that makes a point of honouring its veterans…So, how hard could building it be?” Click here to read how Glenday then answers his own rhetorical question, and get an excellent international perspective on the challenges the Commission has and is facing, and overcoming, to build the Memorial.

“Packard Dave” Lockard, an old, old friend to the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, is an antique automobile/truck enthusiast. He owns several World War I-era Packard military vehicles, and serves as a historical expert on the topic of WWI military transportation. As a volunteer educator and history presenter, “Packard Dave” has been involved with telling the story of World War I to huge groups of people at auto-shows, parades, historical events, and special commemorations. Dave’s great efforts to remember our American veterans, in his special way, has recently drawn the attention of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). They have bestowed Packard Dave with not one, but two, of their very highest national awards. The Commission’s Director of Public Affairs Chris Isleib had a chance to speak to Dave about this latest recognition of his efforts.

The Deadline | Hollywood web site reports that the December 27 presentation of Peter Jackson’s WWI documentary They Shall Not Grow Old from Warner Bros. set a brand new record for Fathom Events, making an estimated $3.1 million-plus from two showtimes at 1,122 theaters. That’s the highest-grossing single-day ever for a documentary playing via Fathom, and one of the top-grossing single-night presentations of any kind from the events company. Originally, the Dec. 17 presentation of They Shall Not Grow Old set the record for Fathom with $2.3M. Click here to read more about the record-setting and -breaking performances for the film, and what that may portend for the nation-wide general release of the film in January.

The Library of Congress has announced that the massive collection, World War History: Newspaper Clippings, 1914 to 1926, is now fully digitized and freely available on the Library of Congress website. The 79,621 pages are packed with war-related front pages, illustrated feature articles, editorial cartoons, and more. You can search by keywords, browse the content chronologically, and download pages. Click here to read more about the tremendous effort that has made the entire collection accessible worldwide only a few weeks after the 100th anniversary of the armistice with Germany ending World War I.

On Thursday, January 17th 2019, musicians from The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will present a chamber music concert commemorating the centennial anniversary of the World War I Armistice. The performance takes place at The National Archives’ William G. McGowan Theater, located at 701 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20002, at 7:00 PM. The program features classical chamber music of the group of French composers known as “Les Six.” US World War I Centennial Commission intern Madison Menz spoke with Staff Sergeant Justin Polybank (left) of the U.S. Army Band, about the upcoming concert, and its importance.

A U.S. Naval War College war game based on a much-studied World War I battle was held at the Queen’s House at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, U.K. in November. The participants included officials from U.S. Naval War College, which has long and historic ties to the 1916 Battle of Jutland. The re-enactment employed the same methods and technology used a century ago to understand the maritime strategy of what was the largest naval surface engagement of World War I. The battle was fought between Great Britain and Germany off the coast of Denmark, at the cost of nearly 10,000 lives. Click here to read more about the reenactment, and the organizers and participants learned from the exercise.

In December 14th’s WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 101, host Theo Mayer spoke with Sir Hew Strachan (left), an esteemed professor of International Relations, renowned Great War expert, and prolific author from the United Kingdom. This detailed and engaging discussion delves into the global political consequences of the war, including the fate of several broken empires and the ascendancy of the United States on the world stage. Click here to read a complete transcript of the entire interview.

In December 14th’s WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 101, host Theo Mayer spoke with Mike Knapp (left), Chief of Historical Services for the ABMC. The conversation covered topics such as the origins of the ABMC, and America’s approach to honoring its war dead following the cessation of hostilities. Click here to read a complete transcript of the entire interview.

In December 14th’s WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 101, host Theo Mayer spoke with Candy Martin, past National President of the American Gold Star Mothers, about the history and mission of this special organization- especially as it relates to the War That Changed the World. Click here to read a complete transcript of the entire interview.

The WW1 Centennial News Podcast is about WW1 THEN: 100 years ago this week, and it’s about WW1 NOW: News and updates about the centennial and the commemoration. 

Available on our web site, iTunes, Google Play, Podbean, TuneIn, Stitcher Radio on Demand.  Spotify  listen on Youtube. New – Comment and ask questions via twitter @TheWW1podcast

Episode #103
Favorite Segments of 2018 – Part 1

Host: Theo Mayer

This New Year week, and next week, we have a two-episode special for you.

We have pulled together some of our favorite stories and segments from 2018!

They are presented in chronological order. Part 1 comes out this week – the last week of 2018, and Part 2 will publish next week – the first week of 2019.

This episode includes:

• January 11,  Episode #54 – “Wilson’s 14 points” |@ 01:10
• Same week, Episode #54 – “A Century In The Making” with Sabin Howard |@ 05:15
• March 2, Episode #61 – “March 1917 Preview” with Dr. Edward Lengel, Katherine Akey and Theo Mayer |@ 11:25
• Same week, #61 – “The Fighting in Russia” with Mike Shuster |@ 22:45
• March 9, Episode #63 – “Alvin York’s Crisis of Conscience” with Dr. Edward Lengel |@ 26:25
• April 4 Episode #66 – “PTSD Among the Pilots” with Mark Wilkins |@ 33:10
• May 4  Episode #70 – “The Big Influenza Pandemic” with Kenneth C. Davis  |@ 40:05
• Same week, Episode #70 – “The Story of Eddie Rickenbacker”  |@ 47:20

Not One, Two Years of WWrite in Review! January 2017 – January 2019
Part 1: WWI and Today’s Veteran Writers

By Jennifer Orth-Veillon, Blog Curator

“Every veteran deserves to be remembered” states the United States WWI Centennial Commission in its efforts to construct a memorial in Washington D.C. Since 2013, the WWICC has worked to make sure that WWI veterans secure their place in American’s collective memory and history. Over the month of January, to prepare for the remaining months of the blog, WWrite will publish a “WWrite Blog: Two Years in Review of WWI and Writing,” a series that will document and synthesize the 100+ blog contributions from January 2017 to January 2019. Read this first installment of the series that highlights contributions from U.S. veteran authors, who discuss WWI’s influence on their life and writing. Robert Olen Butler, Elliot Ackerman, Brian Turner, Tracy Crow, Brian Castner, and more!

A man is only missing if he is forgotten.

Monday’s MIA this week is is Private Preston Woodward. Born in Johnston County, North Carolina, Woodard was inducted into the army on October 6th, 1917 at Pine Level, NC, and did his training at Camp Jackson. He received further instruction at Camp Sevier and was assigned to Company D, 119th Infantry, 30th ‘Old Hickory’ Division before being sent for overseas embarkation with them on May 20th, 1918. Brigaded with the British Expeditionary Force, the 30th Division saw plenty of action in the British War Zone in Northern France and Belgium all that summer and early fall. Woodard was reported killed in action on October 10th, 1918, and was buried where he fell. There is considerable confusion concerning his case, as the British first had charge of his recovery before American Grave Registration personnel took over to bring him to an American cemetery. His remains appear to have gone unidentified.

Would you like to help solve PVT Woodard’s case? Then why not give ‘Ten For Them’ to Doughboy MIA and 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.

Centennial Commemorative Lapel Pin

 Proudly Wearing the WWI 100 Years lapel pin is a fantastic way to let folks serving in the military, along with veterans, know that we still honor those who served our country one hundred years ago.

This satin nickel lapel pin is a simple, yet meaningful, way to display your pride and remember those who sacrificed throughout our nation’s great history. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this item goes towards funding the building of the national World War One Memorial in Washington, D.C.

This and many other items are available as Official Merchandise of the United States World War One Centennial.

Pershing Sponsors

In December of 1918, the 353rd Infantry, 89th Division, was assigned to the area of Prüm, Germany, as their final area of occupation, after a long march of two hundred forty kilometers through snow and cold, beginning on November 24th, from Stenay, France, through Belgium and Luxembourg into Germany. Billets for the officers and enlisted men of the regiment were found in local German civilian homes, and a certain amount of resentment from the local population was anticipated by the U.S. forces. But on December 25, 1918, George A. Carlson, a young American soldier from Denver, Colorado, found that the violence and suffering that the war had brought to the tiny village of Philippsheim had not extinguished the Christmas spirit there. Nearly a century later, George’s grandson visited Germany to follow his grandfather’s footsteps in the war. Click here to read about the amazing encounter that took place in Philippsheim, an unlikely gift from a Christmas observance that took place 100 years ago.

The U.S. Mint’s collectible 2018 World War I Centennial Commemorative Silver Dollar is only officially available for two more days after Christmas: The coin goes off-sale at the Mint on December 27, 2018 at 11:59 PM EST.  Buying this collectible coin helps the United States World War I Centennial Commission to build the new National WWI Memorial in Washington DC. Here is how it works. Congress authorizes commemorative coins that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Although these coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. Each commemorative coin is produced by the United States Mint in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time. As well as commemorating important aspects of American history and culture, these coins help raise money for important causes. Part of the price of these coins is a surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community. Click here to read more about how your purchase of this historic commemorative coin will help build the long-overdue national memorial for our WWI Veterans in the nation’s capitol.

The World War I-era Battle Cruiser USS Olympia (actually built in the 19th Century) played a significant role in WWI, providing naval support, helping with convoy duty, and bringing the Unknown Soldier home from France. The ship continues in her duties, as she uniquely tells the American World War I story in her role as a museum ship in the City of Philadelphia. Last month, Olympia played host to a special Armistice Centennial ceremony that included participation in our Bells of Peace effort. We had a chance to hear about it from Denise Krepp, who is part of the Cruiser Olympia’s staff.

The Westford (MA) Museum knew they wanted to honor the past with their annual contribution to the local Festival of Trees, so they chose a colorful and solemn expression of remembrance, 100 handcrafted poppies. The poppies were crocheted and knitted by 15 crafters, Westford residents and volunteers known to the museum. Westford Museum’s newest director Linda Greene said having the poppy Christmas tree featured at during the Westford Regency’s festival was not only a way to embrace the holiday season, but pay homage to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Click here to read more about this innovative yet traditional approach to remembering the service of American in WWI.

On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress will host a panel discussion to mark the 100th anniversary of the Paris Peace Conference, “The United States and the World: Legacies of the Paris Peace Conference.” The symposium will be held at 3 p.m. in room LJ-119 of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. This discussion will explore the legacies of a pivotal period in world history, including themes of Wilsonianism, the ideological origins of the United Nations, the projection of American power and a new international order. Click here to read more about this upcoming event, and how you can secure your free tickets.

Mark Simone is a successful young post-production specialist in Hollywood. He was the lead for his company, Stereo D, in their work with the Peter Jackson WWI documentary, THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD. Mark’s job was to bring the film alive in 3-Dimensional imaging. Mark’s company, Stereo D is an award-winning, recognized leader in high-quality conversions of 2D theatrical content into stereoscopic 3D imagery, working with major award-winning motion picture studios and filmmakers to bring their vision of 3D storytelling to the screen. We got a chance to talk to Mark about the film, and his experience working on it.

The WW1 Centennial News Podcast is about WW1 THEN: 100 years ago this week, and it’s about WW1 NOW: News and updates about the centennial and the commemoration. 

Available on our web site, iTunes, Google Play, Podbean, TuneIn, Stitcher Radio on Demand.  Spotify  listen on Youtube. New – Comment and ask questions via twitter @TheWW1podcast

Episode 102:
2018 Holiday Music Special:

This is our 2018 Holiday music special. We have compiled a collection of WWI era holiday music. It includes popular Holiday music of the time including some German, French, British and Italian pieces and even a modern day rendition of I’ll be home for Christmas courtesy of the contemporary WWI musicians, Baritone John Brancy and pianist Peter Dugan.

(photo: “Saluting Santa” Magazine cover created by Joseph Christian Leyendecker published on December 7, 1918 for Saturday Evening Post)

Mediated Memory, Myth, and Legend: The Christmas Truce of 1914 and the Great War in Modern Thought

By Anna Rindfleisch

Mediated memory is a term that means representations of the past that are transmitted through modern media and affect the construction of personal and/or collective memory.

This week, at WWrite, English Research Historian and social media expert, Anna Rindfleisch, discusses this concept in the context of WWI through an analysis of a British Sainsbury’s advertisement featuring the 1914 Christmas Truce.

In her post, she explains that the massive outpouring of social media postings and institutional centenary events over the past four years suggest that the 100-year-old trauma attached to the iconic image of the Front Soldier has been transmitted down generations and shaped our contemporary understanding of the Great War.

Read this inventive post about the Christmas Truce, revisited, at WWrite this week!

Commemorative Hat

Inspired by the iconic image of a U.S. Doughboy, you can wear your American pride with this Made in the USA hat. The poignant lone silhouette of a soldier in trench warfare serves as a reminder of those who sacrificed so much one century ago. The Navy hat with white Doughboy embroidery is a 100% cotton, structured with contrasting pancake visor, sweatband and taping, and pre-curved bill. The velcro closure features U.S. flag emblem. A Certificate of Authenticity as Official Merchandise of the United States World War One Centennial is included. Order your Doughboy Commemorative hat here.

This and many other items are available as Official Merchandise of the United States World War One Centennial.  Proceeds from the Official WWI Centennial Merchandise help to fund the building of the national World War One Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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