More than sixty community participants have already 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. Read more about how you and your church, school, community organization, veterans group, firehouse, or anyone else with a bell to ring can participate in this growing national commemoration event on November 11, 2018.

Collectors can again order the five 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar and Medal Sets. Limited to 100,000, the sets launched on Jan. 17 and originally had an ordering deadline of Feb. 20. As reported in Coin World, The United States Mint reopened sales of all five sets at their initial issue price of $99.95 each. There’s no word on how many sets are available or for how long their sales will continue. The medals feature designs emblematic of the Army, the Navy, the Air Service, the Marines and the Coast Guard. Conceived by the U.S. Mint to support the WWI Centennial Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin Program, each medal is paired with a proof WWI dollar and sold as a distinct set. Find out more about this new (and probably last!) opportunity to buy these distinctive and historic commemorative medal and coin sets direct from the United States Mint here.

The Epoch Times newspaper web site has published an extensive followup article covering the June 19 unanimous approval of the design concept for a new National World War I Memorial by the Washington, DC Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). According to the paper, the CFA 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." Read the entire thoughtful article by The Epoch Times' Milene Fernandez here.

Although the Purple Heart is one of the most recognizable medals the US military offers to men and women in its service, the actual story of the decoration is often overlooked. Some 1.9 million purple hearts have been awarded, but many may be surprised to learn that although its conception began with George Washington himself, the Purple Heart in its current form can only be traced back to 1932, with a direct connection to the American military experience in World War I.  WW1CC intern Aaron Rosenthal takes a look at the story of the modern Purple Heart medal and its WW1 roots here.

Beloved American poet Joyce Kilmer was killed 100 years ago on July 30, 1918, while fighting in France. Kilmer is best known for a poem entitled "Trees," published in a collection entitled Trees and Other Poems (1914). At the time of his death, Kilmer was considered to be one of the leading poets and lecturers of his generation. Kilmer joined the Army soon after the U.S. declared war on Germany in April 1917, but he didn’t have to. At the age of 30 he was older than most, plus he was married with children. But he felt he needed to take part. Read more about the life and tragic death of an American literary icon here.

The major theme for July 20th's WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 82, was the Ambulance: the experience of Americans who drove one, its effect on battlefield medicine, and even the evolution of the word. In 100 Years Ago, host Theo Mayer provided essential background information on the American Field Service (AFS). Nicole Milano, an archivist and editor at the AFS, joined the show to discuss the vital contributions of that organization during the war. In addition, we combined Speaking WW1 and War Tech into one cohesive, ambulance-focused segment. Click here to read a transcript of 100 Years ago, the interview, Speaking WW1, and War Tech.

The U.S. Postal Service recently issued  the new World War I "Turning the Tide" Stamp to help commemorate the centennial of WWI. In July 27th’s WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 82, former World War I Centennial Commission Director of Operations Rebekah Wilson came on the show to share the story behind  the grassroots campaign for the stamp that started at the fledgling U.S. World War I Centennial Commission's very first official meeting on October 29th, 2013. Click here to read a transcript of the 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 #83
Highlights:

August 1918 Preview Roundtable - Dr. Edward Lengel, Katherine Akey, Theo Mayer | @02:05

Great War Project Blog: Turning Point - Mike Shuster | @17:35

International Report 1: Commemorations in France | @21:55

International Report 2: The Moore Twins step up | @22:58

Remembering Veterans: Rechickenization of France - Tracy Robinson DAR | @25:00

Harley Davidson in WWI - Bill Jackson | @31:20

100 Cities / 100 Memorials: Dunmore, PA - Jim Davenport & Louise McLafferty | @37:05

Speaking WWI: Stormtrooper | @43:00

WWI WarTech: Stainless Steel | @45:45

Articles & Posts: Dispatch Newsletter | @48:50

The Buzz: Commemoration in social media - Katherine Akey | @52:55

Sgt. Frank Carbaugh's 1918 Poem "The Fields of the Marne"

In August 1918, the tide started to turn towards the end of WWI and so did the subject of WWI poetry. While American Sgt. Frank Carbaugh didn't live to see the Armistice, he immortalized his vision of democracy and peace in his poem "The Fields of the Marne," written while he was in the hospital and published inThe Stars and Stripesclose to his death. This week, WWI poetry expert, Connie Ruzich, returns to WWrite to tell us the compelling story of this brave soldier and unknown poet. Read Connie's compelling post!

A man is only missing if he is forgotten.

Monday's MIA this week is Private John Sheridan Minch. Born September 21st, 1901, in Beaver, Ohio, Private Minch was a laborer when he was enlisted in the regular army in October, 1916 at Muskegon, Michigan. Assigned to Company H, 28th Infantry, of what would become the 1st Division, and went to the Mexican Border during the crises there before heading to France with the first American combat contingent to go over in June, 1917. He served with the 1st in the Toul sector, Montdidier Sector and at Cantigny. He was killed in action at Soissons on July 21st, 1918 Nothing else is known at this time.

Would you like to help us solve this case? 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.

White Ceramic WWI Centennial Mug

Featuring the iconic Doughboy silhouette flanked by barbed wire so prevalent during WWI, you can enjoy your favorite beverage in this 15-ounce ceramic mug and honor the sacrifices made by U.S. soldiers. On December 19, 2014, Congress passed legislation designating Pershing Park in the District of Columbia as a national World War One Memorial. The Act authorizes the World War One Centennial Commission to further honor the service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War One by developing the Pershing Park Site. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this item are designated for this endeavor. A Certificate of Authenticity as Official Merchandise of the United States World War One Centennial is included.

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

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