Sync Call for Wednesday December 14, at 12pm EDT
News at a Glance
1. We say goodbye to Commissioner James Whitfield
2. Wisconsin WWI Web Site comes online
3. April 6, 2017 Local Event Planning tool kit review
4. Library of America WWI program
5. New symposium video - Sir Hugh Strachan - The Redefinition of Battle!
Read more below - Watch the video above
Sync Call Minutes
December 14, 2016
We have some very unfortunate news to report. We lost a dear friend this past week with the passing of James Whitfield. James was one of the original Commissioners and was appointed by the American Legion. James was 90 years old.
We have a short tribute from our Executive Director Dan Dayton to share with you.
We here at the Commission extend our sincerest condolences to his friends and family and to the American Legion community. James Whitfield will be greatly missed.
Updates from the States
“The Centennial in YOUR State: America’s Declaration of War”
You all know that April 6, 2017 marks the centennial of US entry into war.
How will that date be commemorated in your community? Your state?
With a little over a hundred days remaining, now is the time to begin planning for the centennial of this great decision that changed everything.
To help you plan an event, we have developed a guide called “The Centennial in YOUR State: America’s Declaration of War”. It can be downloaded and used as a template and customized to individual organizations or states. We will continue to update the guide throughout december.
Start Planning now!
STATE COMMEMORATIVE TOOLKIT
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByWh94OVAOx3dlV6YnNncEJDZ3M
We start today’s program with some highlights from a couple of states.
Wisconsin
This week, Wisconsin’s website went live at . Congratulations to all who worked to build it. We have Michael Telzrow, Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on the line to talk more about this fantastic achievement...
Michael interview.
Yeah, it was interesting to read about the concerns people had about Wisconsin - over a quarter of the population was of German descent after all - and how the state overcame it. Very interesting stuff.
Thank you for your time today, Michael!
Wisconsin Link: ww1cc.org/wisconsin
Virginia
Next up, some interesting news from the Virginia World War I and World War II Commission. Last Thursday, a delegation from The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford was in Richmond to help launch a major commemoration of World War I and World War II. Local news affiliate WSLS covered this event and you can read more about it on the Virginia’s commission website - virginiaworldwarii.org
Virginia Links: http://wsls.com/2016/12/07/virginia-launches-wwi-and-wwii-commission/
http://www.virginiaworldwarii.org/
Among the activities that took place was the Voices of Freedom mobile recording studio set up by the Americans in Wartime Museum to record oral histories from veterans. Virginia Commonwealth University showcased their Virtual Curation Laboratory, which demonstrated 3D scanning and printing of artifacts and showcased the project's WWI and WWII object replicas.
Illinois
The next update we have comes from the Illinois. Last week, at the Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library in Hampshire, a soiree was held to celebrate the arrival of the Library of America’s World War I Traveling Exhibit. The exhibit brings together members of the veteran community with the general public to explore the transformative impact of the First World War by reading, discussing and sharing insights into the writings of Americans who experienced it firsthand. The project also provides opportunities for those who served in more recent conflicts to discuss the similarities and differences between past and present.
Illinois Links: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/news/ct-ecn-hampshire-wwi-exhibit-st-1208-20161207-story.html
http://kanecountyconnects.com/2016/11/ella-johnson-library-brings-wwi-centennial-traveling-exhibition-to-kane-county/
I just want to give a shout out for the Library of America and their new program --America and WWI. It’s a fantastic program and I encourage everyone to check out the Library of America’s website to see if there will be a traveling exhibit coming close to your community.
Library of America Link:
http://wwiamerica.org/calendar.php
News and Announcements
With a little over 2 weeks left -- December 31st is the deadline for the World War One Historical Association’s June 2017 Battlefield Tour. Register now! Take the opportunity to walk the battlefields of World War 1 and to follow in the footsteps of the American troops who went to war 100 years ago. Reserve your spot on this battlefield pilgrimage before December 31st.
For more information, check the chat room for a link to the World War One Historical Association’s website.
World War One Historical Association Link: https://ww1ha.org/2017-ww1-battlefield-pilgrimage/
“The War to End All Wars”
We have a new episode from “The War to End All Wars” symposium held at Ohio State University earlier this fall. This week you can see the third episode: "The Redefinition of Battle: Verdun and the Somme, 1916.” It is presented by Sir Hew Strachan, Professor of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. As always, the episode is preceded by a poetry reading. Click out the episode and learn more. If you’re new to the series, we encourage you to check out the previous two episodes as well.
The War to End All Wars Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/educate/history/the-war-to-end-all-wars.html
American Battle Monuments Commision’s “Learning and Resources” page
Next we have some new resources that you can use to help educate people about the great war. First, we would like to direct you to the American Battle Monuments Commision’s “Learning and Resources” page. Here you can find a variety of lesson plans -- from a geographical breakdown of the Last Battalion’s role, to a way to plan virtual World War One field trips. I Definitely encourage you to take a moment to check out this site.
American Battle Monuments Commission Link:
https://abmc.gov/learning-resources
“Voices of the First World War” podcast
Also, take some time to look at the Imperial War Museum’s “Voices of the First World War” podcast. Currently, they have fifty episodes posted. Each episode covers a different aspect of the war from a unique perspective. Follow the link in the chat room to see what episodes they have. The podcast is also available in the iTunes store.
Voices of the First World War Link: http://www.iwm.org.uk/history/voices-of-the-first-world-war
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/iwm-voices-first-world-war/id446748876?mt=2
Alright, as always, The Great War Channel on youtube has several new videos up this week.
- The Fall of Bucharest - Political Turmoil in Russia
- Baltic Sea Battles - Tanks On Other Fronts
- Siege of Przemyśl shame-i-shawl
- The Design of Przemyśl Fortress - Walking Through The Old Forts
The Great War Channel Link
https://www.youtube.com/thegreatwarseries
And now it’s time for our weekly lecture from Mike Shuster with The Great War Project:
Mike, take it away!
The Great War Project: Mike Shuster - www.greatwarproject.org/
Thanks Mike.
Closing
Today we hope you’ve enjoyed our show and will take advantage of the many WWI resources available for you and your community.
So that’s all for today, Special thanks to all our guests, Veronica Calder, Carrie Phillips, Richard Bachus, Professor Peter Mansoor, and Mike Shuster.
Remember to check out our minutes at ww1cc.org/sync-call. Follow us on twitter! Be sure to like us on Facebook and most importantly, subscribe to our weekly WW1 Centennial Dispatch.
LINK TO SUBSCRIBE TO DISPATCH
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/1258
Have a great week and thanks everyone, for supporting our doughboys!
Sync Call Minutes ww1cc.org/sync-call
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