World War I Centennial News
Commissioner Matthew McCoy of the Rhode Island World War I Centennial Commission, and Superintendent Shane Williams of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, display the United States World War I Centennial Commission flag during McCoy's visit to the cemetery on July 15, 2018.
Rhode Island WWW1CC Pays Tribute its Fallen from World War One
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
and
By Matthew McCoy
Rhode Island World War One Centennial Commission
Earlier this summer, Commissioner Matthew McCoy of the Rhode Island World War I Centennial Commission made a remarkable pilgrimage to France. Representing the state's government, Commissioner McCoy visited the graves of every one of Rhode Island's 210 World War I Fallen at American Battle Monuments Commission Cemeteries in France
The trip took a great deal of research and pre-planning. Commissioner McCoy and his organization spent countless hours identifying the fallen heroes, mapping out their burial sites, and preparing an itinerary. Key to that research effort was the team from the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), who run America's military cemeteries overseas.
Upon arrival in France, McCoy met with the superintendents of six ABMC cemeteries during the second week of July. The six cemeteries he visited included the Somme American Cemetery, Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, and the Suresnes American Cemetery.
Commissioner McCoy presented each cemetery superintendent with a certificate of special recognition from Governor Gina M. Raimondo, in recognition of their service in honoring the memory of Rhode Island's fallen service members. Challenge coins from Major General Chris Callahan, the Adjutant General of Rhode Island, and Kasim Yarn, the Director of the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs, were also presented to each superintendent.
Read more: Rhode Island WWW1CC Pays Tribute its Fallen from World War One
Four Questions for Peter Stassen
"It is our duty to commemorate their sacrifice."
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
Peter Stassen and his family are remarkable people, who are carrying out a very honorable pursuit. This Flemish family has volunteered to be part of an 'Adopt A Grave' program at the Flanders Field American Cemetery, administered by the American Legion. Flanders Field is a true 'battlefield cemetery', and the area surrounding the site saw intense fighting during the autumn of 1918. Now, however, Flanders Field Cemetery is a place of peace, and contemplation, managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). Most of the 368 military graves there are from this battle. Mr. Stassen is, himself, a retired military member, so he knows a little about service and sacrifice. We spoke to him about his experiences, and his family's efforts to commemorate our American WWI hero.
- You have adopted the grave site of an American soldier from WWI. We sincerely thank you for doing that. How did you start, and why?
Peter Stassen (left) and Sgt Willis Lewis Burnworth, whose grave the Stassen family adopted in Belgium.During my time as Command Sergeant Major of the Military Command of the Province West Flanders I was responsible for the military protocol at the commemorations held in our Province. This included the Memorial Day Service at the Flanders Field American Cemetery organized by the American Overseas Memorial Day Association.
During the organisation meetings of the Memorial Day I met Joseph Schram, Commander of the American Legion "Flanders Fields" Post BE02. He told me about the “Adopt-a-Grave” program.
Because we already maintained some graves at our local civilian cemetery, we applied for the program. We made a list of 10 NCO’s of whom we liked to adopt their grave. They gave us the one of Sgt Willis Lewis Burnworth.
- Is there a program that you work through to do this? Tell us a little about what the program is like.
The “Adopt-a-Grave” program is administered by the American Legion “Flanders Field” Post BE02 (http://www.sitemn.gr/adoptagraveflandersfield/HOMECONTACT.php).
The terms of Adoption are very simple: the adopter is expected to visit the grave and place flowers at the grave regularly and more specifically on special occasions like Memorial Day. Every year we visit his grave several times (but definitely on his birth day, June 6th and the day he died, November 1st) and we are present at the Memorial Day Service and Veterans Day Service.
The “Reflections of Hope: Armistice 1918” Art Installation at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO.
Symbolic & Powerful Poppy Art Installation Begins at National WWI Museum and Memorial
By Mike Vietti
Director, Marketing, Communications and Guest Services, National World War I Museum & Memorial
KANSAS CITY, MO – During the course of World War I, approximately 117,000 American soldiers lost their lives in defense of the United States and its allies.
As the centennial of the Armistice of World War I approaches, the National WWI Museum and Memorial and artist Ada Koch honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a moving and powerful art installation. Reflections of Hope: Armistice 1918 features 117 intricate metal poppy sculptures designed by Koch in a symbolic arrangement in the Reflection Pool at the Museum and Memorial. Each poppy represents 1,000 American soldiers killed during the Great War. The installation process will involve more than 50 volunteers recruited by Koch.
Inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in his poem, “In Flanders Fields,” Koch’s latest work uses the powerful symbolism of the poppy to commemorate American service men and women who lost their lives.
“My fascination with the poppies has ranged from paintings on canvas, wood, and silk to creating three dimensional flowers with bandages and hand grenades, to now using steel sculptures to create an impact that will draw the community together to recognize the sacrifices of war,” said Koch.
Koch, whose work is featured in corporate and private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe, is an experienced artist and advocate. By being active with several different local arts organizations, she works to make sure artists’ voices are heard. Her studio in the Livestock Exchange building in Kansas City is the focal point for her mixed media painting and sculptures about social issues including war, violence and a renewed emphasis on empathy.
Read more: Symbolic & Powerful Poppy Art Installation Begins at National WWI Museum and Memorial
#AMIENS100 Student Battlefield Tour Diary Online
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
By Mike Vietti
Director, Marketing, Communications and Guest Services, National World War I Museum & Memorial
Students visit memorial at Le Hamel, site of intense fighting in the Somme Region of FranceIn August 2018, students from Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the United States came together to tour the former WWI battlefields, as part of the commemoration of the centennial of the war in Amiens, France.
Two groups of students came from the U.S.: One from Newberry High School in Newberry, Michigan, led by teacher Randy Griffis (also a 2016-17 National WWI Museum and Memorial Teacher Fellow) and another group from University High School in Irvine, California, led by teacher Judy Richonne.
The groups were sponsored with help from the US World War I Centennial Commission and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, as part of their joint Education programs.
While on their tour, the students interacted with the Commission staff, who were in France helping with the grand #Amiens100 centennial commemorative event, held at Amiens Cathedral on August 8th.
The students were asked to share their experiences on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage, and to answer questions about their background, why they wanted to participate in the Amiens journey and what they felt was the value of understanding World War I for students today.
Their collective experiences can be found here: https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/amiens100
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Governor Larry Hogan Issues Proclamation for Bells to be Tolled 11/11 to Honor WWI Veterans
via the Maryland.gov web site
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today issued a proclamation calling for bells to be tolled in Maryland on November 11, 2018 at 11:00 am in remembrance of veterans of World War I. The proclamation coincides with a call by the United States World War I Centennial Commission for all Americans to participate in a national tolling of bells.
“Over 62,000 Marylanders served honorably during World War I, making incredible sacrifices to bring justice and freedom to all people,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Today, on the anniversary of the Hundred Days Offensive marking the beginning of the end of World War I, I am proud to issue this proclamation calling on all Marylanders to join me on November 11th at 11:00 am in participating in the bell tolling to honor our veterans who served in the Great War.”
Maryland Governor Larry HoganSunday, November 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I. To commemorate the occasion, in 2015 Governor Larry Hogan created the World War I Centennial Commission through an executive order to create ways for the state’s residents and its visitors to remember, commemorate, and learn about the meaning of World War I and the role of Marylanders during that time.
In addition, the commission is tasked with developing activities and events to recognize the anniversary. Under the leadership of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, the Commission has worked towards preserving and promoting the history of all 62,000 Marylanders who served in World War I, including 11,000 African Americans and 6,000 women.
“We thank Governor Hogan for joining states across the nation in tolling bells to honor veterans of World War I,” said David Craig, Director of the World War I Centennial Commission. “Marylanders served a significant role in the Great War with nearly 2,000 giving the ultimate sacrifice, and the Maryland World War I Centennial Commission is committed to honoring the sacrifices of our ancestors.”
“On behalf of the Maryland World War I Centennial Commission, I would like to thank Governor Hogan for his continued support of our efforts to recognize the heroes of the Great War,” said Joseph Suarez, Chair of the Maryland World War I Centennial Commission. “Since the establishment of our Commission by Executive Order in 2015, we have committed to telling the story of Marylanders who served and sacrificed both on the battlefield and on the home front during the Great War. The solemnity of the bell tolling that is taking place across the nation and in every town and community in Maryland is a reminder of that human sacrifice that helped to change the world.”
Lost Purple Heart returned to family of WWI vet 100 years later
By Matt Saintsing
via the ConnectingVets.com web site
It’s said to be the military award nobody wants. That’s because a Purple Heart is earned only through the bloodshed of war, which is also why the medal is so highly respected by all who see it pinned on anyone’s chest.
(l to r) United States World War I Centennial Commission Veteran Liaison David Hamon assists, as grandson Joseph Hish IV and son Joseph Mark Hish III are presented the Purple Heart Medal earned by Private First Class Joseph Hish, who was wounded by mustard gas during World War I. (Photo by Matt Saintsing, ConnectingVets.com)Over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded to American service members injured in combat, but over time, these medals can turn up lost, stolen or otherwise misplaced. That's why Purple Hearts Reunited has made it their mission to reconnect these symbols of sacrifice to the medal's rightful owner, or surviving families.
Through research, Zachariah Fike, the group’s founder, is said to be able to track anyone down, especially if it means returning a long lost honor. A ceremony in Washington, D.C Tuesday, proved just that when they presented seven Purple Hearts to surviving family members of World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam veterans and another to a living veteran of the Iraq War.
Private First Class Joseph Hish, was one of those honored.
He fought in World War I with Company A, 341st Machine Gun Battalion, 177th Brigade of the 89th Infantry Division, and fought during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, a 47-day battle that lasted from the end of September 1918 to Armistice Day, November 11. Pfc. Hish earned the Purple Heart when his unit was attacked with sulfur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas.
Hish survived World War I and lived a full life until he passed away on December 29, 1965, in Sioux City, Iowa. He was 70 years old.
Read more: Lost Purple Heart returned to family of WWI vet 100 years later
Ceremony at Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium to honor World War I American dead buried there.
Ceremony Honors World War I Heroes at Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
On August 5th, 2018, the U.S. Army Center for Military History, and the Army National Guard, conducted a remembrance ceremony at the Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium to honor America’s war dead from World War I.
Lieutenant General Timothy J. Kadavy, Director of the Army National Guard, acted as host. Additional remarks were made by Mr. Charles R. Bowery, Jr., Executive Director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Three of the United States World War I Centennial Commission commissioners in attendance at the Flanders Fields ceremony: (front, left to right) Commissioner Jerry Hester; Commissioner Tom Moe; Commission Vice Chair Edwin Fountain.Several United States World War 1 Centennial Commission commissioners attended the event, to include Vice Chair Edwin Fountain, Commissioner Jerry Hester, Commissioner Tom Moe, Commissioner Matthew Naylor, and Commissioner Monique Seefried.
Of the ceremony, General Kadavy said "It was overwhelming to host a memorial ceremony for our fallen Soldiers at Flanders Field American Cemetery. We owe it to those who have made the last full measure of devotion. Humbled by those who have led before us."
A video of the full ceremony can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/armyhistory/videos/10156675883932853/
Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War I cemetery on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium. The memorial was designed by architect Paul Cret. This is the only American World War I cemetery in Belgium and 411 American servicemen are buried or commemorated there.
Many of the buried service members fell at Spitaals Bosschen, an action of the Ypres-Lys Campaign by the 37th and 91st Infantry Divisions in the closing days of World War I. Members of the current-day 37th and 91st Divisions were unhand, to represent those units at the ceremony.
This cemetery is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and occupies a six-acre site. As with all Allied war cemeteries, the land was provided in perpetuity by the Belgian government. The headstones are aligned in four symmetrical areas around the white stone chapel that stands in the center of the cemetery. The side walls of the chapel are inscribed with the names of 43 missing American servicemen who have no known graves.
Read more: Ceremony Honors WWI Heroes at Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium
The Veterans War Memorial Tower on Mount Greylock in Adams honors those who died in combat during World War I. (Gillian Jones/The Berkshire Eagle/AP/file)
Massachusetts’ Mount Greylock added to national World War I memorial registry
By Katie Camero
via the Boston Globe newspaper web site
A shining light atop Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak, the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Tower has achieved a new lofty status.
The 93-foot tall monument, whose illuminated beacon is visible from three states, has been designated as a World War I Centennial Memorial by the US World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago.
The tower is one of 100 memorials chosen nationally to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s involvement in the “Great War.” Memorials in Harvard, Springfield, Wellesley, and Worcester were also selected, according to the commission’s website.
Colonel Jennifer Pritzker, founder of the museum, joined state officials on Thursday to unveil a plaque at the memorial at Mount Greylock State Reservation in Adams. The site is run by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Read more: Massachusetts’ Mount Greylock added to national WWI memorial registry
Commissioner Jack Monahan of the World War I Centennial Commission addresses a crowd Thursday at the Veterans War Memorial Tower atop Mount Greylock in Adams. The tower was chosen this year to be honored by the "100 Cities/100 Memorials" program jointly run by the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago.
Mount Greylock veterans tower memorial joins national list
By Larry Parnass
via the Berkshire Eagle newspaper web site
ADAMS — A monument to state residents who served in World War I stands higher than any structure in Massachusetts, thanks to its placement atop Mount Greylock.
These days, it has got reason to sit up a little taller.
The Veterans War Memorial Tower in the Mount Greylock State Reservation has been named to an elite group of tributes to the Great War across the U.S.
The site was chosen this year to be honored by the "100 Cities/100 Memorials" program jointly run by the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago.
Late Thursday morning, officials with each of those groups gathered atop Greylock to present the award and call for continued tributes to those who answer the military's call.
Their visit comes a year after the completion of $2.6 million in repairs to the 93-foot monument, whose beacon, in the right conditions, can be seen all the way to Boston.
"I share your pride in the restoration and rededication," said John D. Monahan of the centennial commission, who came from Essex, Conn., for the event. "I am heartened by the knowledge that this generation, too, has its heroes — citizens like you for whom the words `lest we forget' are a touchstone."
Monahan said later that in selecting sites to honor, the commission gave preference to ones that draw ongoing community support.
Rebecca Barnes, the Department of Conservation and Recreation's regional coordinator for the Greylock complex, applied for the "100 Memorials" designation this year. The honor comes with a $2,000 award from the Pritzker museum.
Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker, who served with the U.S Army from 1974 to 2001 and is the military museum's chairwoman, looked out across a small crowd assembled before a makeshift podium, flanked by an honor guard and color guard.
Pritzker recalled a recent visit to the Adams monument from her home in Chicago for a family gathering. She said returning to the monument brings memories of family.
"I wish all of you, too, have happy times here with your family. One way to memorialize the sacrifices of the veterans, and their deaths, is to bring new life," she said.
Pritzker noted that since World War I, as Americans fought in other conflicts, the tower's significance only grows.
Read more: Mount Greylock veterans tower memorial joins national list
Gridiron On The Great Lake: a WWI football story
By Doug Bigelow
Special to the United States World War One Centennial Commission web site
Nestled in the midst of the most devastating war in history sat a remarkable football team. Assembled on the shores of Lake Ontario, they were an unbeaten, unscored upon powerhouse made up of various racial, ethnic, social and religious backgrounds. These gridders also endured one of the greatest epidemic illnesses of all time to form a cohesive unit that beat all comers.
Doug BigelowThe team was made up of an interesting set of individuals - one a hardnosed Syracuse (NY) tough guy who survived a train collision as a teenager while driving a horse and wagon. The team manager was of German descent at a time when Germans were not looked upon favorably in the United States. Gustav Unterkoefler risked harm just for having a Germanic sounding name. One player was a Russian Jew, born in that country his family escaped an anti-Semite pogrom to come to America. The star player was an English born Irishman who played on the 1916 Brown University Rose Bowl team. Several others played collegiately or on the local semi-pro fields. The most interesting was a Native American who came from Oklahoma to serve a country that, as of yet, hadn’t granted him citizenship.
Gridiron On The Great Lake – The 1918 Fort Ontario Army Football Team is my first book. For the last 30-odd years I have done free-lance articles in the areas of sports, history, biography and genealogy. In 2015 I won the Bob Carroll Memorial Writing Award from the Professional Football Researchers Association. The article was titled: The Oswego Shakespeares and the Disputed 1915 Title.
Three decades ago I visited the local library in Oswego, NY to do research on some presently forgotten subject. While perusing the historical newspaper files on microfiche I came across a photograph of the 1915 Oswego Shakespeares. Jotting down the information contained in the caption, in case I might want to further explore it in the future, I proceeded to store this steno pad away for half a lifetime.
When coming across it in 2013, my interest re-peaked, I wrote my award-winning article. Part of my research involved contacting the director for the Fort Ontario Historical Site, Paul Lear. The fort had provided one of the Shakspeares opponents in those years. While discussing the city’s powerhouse eleven Lear mentioned, “you know we had quite a team here in 1918”. As any good historian would I immediately took up the task of proving or disproving that statement. A quick review of the 1919 Spalding Official Football Guide proved it to be an accurate boast. The Guide showed an Army squad in 1918 that flashed a 6-0 record (later disproved to be 5-0).
Participants in Bells for Peace on November 11, 2018 include, among some 60 others (left to right): Epiphany Chapel and Church House in Odenton, Maryland; Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC; the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle, WA; and The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA.
Bells of Peace gaining new participants nationwide
By Aaron Rosenthal
Staff Writer
More than sixty community participants have joined the US World War I Centennial Commission’s initiative, “Bells of Peace”. Americans across the nation will toll bells on 
November 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM, in honor of the service and sacrifice of the nation’s World War I veterans, led by tolling at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Joining the national bell tolling is an easy way for you to honor those who fought and died in World War I, and to learn about the Commission’s mission to build a World War I memorial in Washington DC. The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, started tolling bells in 2014, and we are proud to link our efforts with theirs.
As mentioned last week, the Washington Chapel at Valley Forge will be tolling for the Armistice with their National Patriots Bell Tower, and they are not alone.
The Epiphany Chapel and Church House in Odenton, Maryland, the Cameron Parish Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Sterling Virginia, and the City of Boyd in Minnesota, will all be joining in this commemoration. Museums and historical societies from all around the country also plan to participate, including the Miami Valley Military History Museum in Ohio, the Polish National Home of Hartford Inc., the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle Washington, and many more.
You or your organization can be a part of history to commemorate the centennial as well: just log on to ww1cc.org/bells and click “participate.” We will feature your organization’s logo on the page, and you can see more content by the World War I Centennial Commission. Resources include the Dispatch Newsletter, the Commission’s podcast, World War I related events, films, music, and more.
Aaron Rosenthal is a Summer 2018 Intern with the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission.
A rendering of architect Joe Weishaar’s park design with Sabin Howard’s bronze relief sculpture for the National World War I Memorial, in July 2018, to be sited in Pershing Park, in Washington, D.C. (World War I Memorial Design Team)
National WWI Memorial Design Team Gets Green Light
By Milene Fernandez
via the Epoch Times web site
WASHINGTON—The war that did not end all wars, World War I, marked a dramatic turning point in history. It changed everything, including art. Collective trauma gave way to irony, cynicism, sarcasm, a taste for the absurd, and nihilistic disillusionment. The moral fabric of society and how it translated into art started to deteriorate at an alarming pace, until it reached the extreme where anything goes, as seen in some contemporary art today.
Now, 100 years after World War I ended, we begin to see glimmers of art that is more considerate, ennobling, trustworthy, respectful, and with a rational sensibility that is uplifting, even depicting subject matter that delves into the tragic nature of humanity.
On June 19, the design concept for a new National World War I Memorial—embodying all of such positive qualities—was unanimously endorsed by the federal aesthetic guardians of Washington, D.C., the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The approval marked a breakthrough not only for the World War I monument to be realized, but also for the public presence of figurative art on the world stage.
Surprisingly, Washington does not have a memorial for honoring the sacrifice and victory of the American doughboys. Pershing Park, built in 1981, has the commemorative sculpture “John J. Pershing, General of the Armies,” but nothing on a scale that would truly honor the 4.7 million Americans who served and over 116,000 who were killed in World War I.
An act of Congress in 2013 created the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission (WW1CC) for planning and developing the memorial. The 12 members of the commission were appointed by former President Barack Obama, leaders of the Senate, the House of Representatives, as well as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. All five former living presidents are serving on the commission as honorary chairmen.
Read more: National WWI Memorial Design Team Gets Green Light
Standing rigidly at attention behind their drill instructors, women Marines prepare for a morning's drill on the Ellipse behind the White House during World War I.
Women Marines Proudly Serving 1918-2018 - Special Exhibition
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation invites you to the opening of a special exhibit showcasing 100 years of service by Women Marines — from the enlistment of Opha May Johnson, the first Woman Marine, to today’s female “Devil Dogs.”
A highlight of the event includes keynote remarks by USMC Lt. Gen. Loretta “Lori” Reynolds, the third woman in history to be promoted to 3-stars in the Marine Corps.
The event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested and can be made by responding here or by calling 703-533-1155 x 109 with your name, contact information and the number in your party.
Located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, the Women's Memorial is accessible by METRO Blue Line, Arlington Cemetery Stop, and paid parking is available in the Cemetery Visitor Lot. Directions to the Women's Memorial can be found at www.womensmemorial.org/Visit/directions.html.