MacArthur Memorial hosts a World War One Symposium

By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission

On 21-22 October, the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk VA hosted a remarkable World War I symposium, entitled “1916: Sex, Planes, and Disasters”.

Several noted speakers were featured at the event. Some of the topics discussed include the Brusilov Offensive, aerial bombardment during the war, the United States in 1916, the Battle of the Somme, the British Army, The Battle of Verdun, and more.

Dr. Monique Seefried, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission’s Lead Commissioner for International Partnerships, helped organize the event, and acted as the Host/EmCee. Dr Seefried is the President of the Croix Rouge Farm Memorial Foundation.

Presenters on the first day included Steve Suddaby who gave a presentation entitled “From Venice to London: Aerial Bombing in 1916,” Carl Bobrow whose presentation was entitled “Russian Air Assets in the Brusilov Offensive,”  Robert Powell who gave a presentation entitled “Flying Vintage Aircraft.” and Dana Lombardy whose presentation was entitled “Sex..and Spies. Oh My!”

Presenters on the second day included Paul Jankowski who gave a presentation entitled “Verdun After 100 Years: An Iconic or An Exceptional Battle?”, William MacMullen whose presentation was entitled “Big Navies, Big Innovations, Big Battle… Then Frizzle Why?”, Graydon Tunstall whose presentation was called “Eastern Front 1916: Russian Victory to Revolution,” David Silbey who gave a presentation entitled “A Citizen Army Learns To Fight: The Tactical Evolution of the British Army,” Greg Hansard whose presentation was entitled “Haven to Safety: The US Internment of German Sailors 1914-1917.”

The final Presenter was Paul Walsh whose presentation was entitled “Embattled Neutrality: The Western Hemisphere, Europe, and Woodrow Wilson.” After Mr. Walsh’s presentation closing remarks took place.