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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From the World War I Centennial News Podcast
Historian Corner:
An interview with Harley Davidson Archivist Bill Jackson
In August 3rd's WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 83, Bill Jackson, an archivist for Harley Davidson, joined us to tell the story of this iconic company and its motorcycles in the Great War. The following is a transcript of the interview:
Theo Mayer: This week in our Historian's Corner, the subject is hogs. No, not hogs like the farm animal, we're talking motorcycles, and specifically we're talking Harley-Davidson as our two friends from France, Christophe and Pierre, roll across America on their restored World War I era Harley for Operation Twin Links. We thought it would be a perfect time to reach out to Harley-Davidson to talk about their motorcycles in World War I. Their archives lead, Bill Jackson, took some time from his busy schedule to join us today and tell us more about the company and their iconic machines during World War One. Bill, it's great to have you on the podcast.
Bill Jackson: Thank you very much for having me.
Theo Mayer: Bill, how and when did Harley-Davidson itself get started?
Bill Jackson: William Harley and Arthur Davidson met as teenagers and there's some mystery about that early period for Harley but we know that they sold their first motorcycle to a friend of Arthur Davidson's in 1903. It could have been in '04, but we believe it's '03, in the back of the Davidson home here in Milwaukee.
Theo Mayer: Cars and motorized vehicles were brand new ideas at the turn of the century. How common or popular were motorcycles around 1914?
Bill Jackson: By 1914, they're getting more popular and there are a few major players, including Harley-Davidson. By then one of their emerging big competitors in the US was Indian Motorcycles out of Massachusetts. There were even robust motorcycle magazines in the period and motorcycle shows just like you can go to now. Just like there were car shows in those days. As you aptly put it, it was an exploding market.
Theo Mayer: I spoke to a Harley history buff a few years ago and as I recall from the conversation, it was Indian as a brand that probably shipped more units into Europe than Harley did in World War I. He also said that this was what gave Harley a break locally because it opened up the business in America because Indian was busy building stuff for the military.
Bill Jackson: There's a lot of truth to that. The first year of military production specifically was 1917, and about half of Harley's production went to the military. But by 1918, the vast majority of Harley's production was going to the military so both Harley and Indian were suppliers. Harley, by that point had a very robust dealer network and they had already been growing in dealer networks outside the US borders.
Americans troops with a Harley Davidson Model 17 F/J. The U.S. military primarily used the motorcycle for dispatch, carrier, and escort purposes.
Theo Mayer: A couple of questions. What was the role of motorcycles in World War I and how do this affect the industry and the Harley product in particular?
Bill Jackson: One of the biggest uses was the Motor Dispatch Service, MDS. People sometimes misunderstand the motorcycle as a combat vehicle, which of course it wasn't.
Theo Mayer: I think what people are probably thinking about is that pretty well-known picture of the Harley with an installed machine gun.
Bill Jackson: Right. That specific vehicle was developmental. As far as we know that was actually never used in the field but for things like dispatch use, carrier use, sometimes escort service and it actually stemmed from Harley providing motorcycles to the US military prior to World War One for the US- Mexico border conflict. You would commonly these motorcycles that were really not much different than what the civilians could buy.
Theo Mayer: Do you have a particular story or incident about World War One and about Harley that you can share?
Corporal Roy Holtz on his Harley
Bill Jackson: Absolutely. The very first American who set foot on German soil in November 12 of 1918, the day after the Armistice, was a corporal named Roy Holtz of the US Army and he actually entered Germany riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and sidecar. A curious part of the story is that the photo appeared in Harley-Davidson's The Enthusiast Magazine and lo and behold a few years later, Roy Holtz showed up for a factory tour in Milwaukee. He said, “By the way, I'm the guy in that photo,” and they really had this amazing reaction, like “Oh my gosh, it's you.” They got some good play out of that, that Roy Holtz, the first American to enter Germany right after the war ended actually showed up here for a factory tour.
Theo Mayer: That's a great story. Now, it's interesting that a lot of veterans wind up really interested in riding motorcycles.
Bill Jackson: There are many veteran riders, including before, during, and after war time as they come home. Then you'll even find Harley-Davidson dealerships deliberately set up near military bases because there's such a huge crossover passion for the motorcycle and motorcycling enthusiasm on the part of service people.
Theo Mayer: Well, so relative to this, let's talk about our friends from France and Operation Twin Links. That's the expedition where the boys, Christophe and Pierre, are crossing the country on a reconstructed WWI Harley. Have you met them?
Bill Jackson: I actually did not get the chance to meet them when they were here. I was actually looking out our office window when I saw them coming up on the intersection closest to the museum. It's not every day you see a 1918 Harley-Davidson with a sidecar in the streets of Milwaukee. They had a very busy schedule but I got a good look at the bike. It's clear to me, it's one of these works of passion, getting this old machine running and capable. I think their goal when that's all set and done is to cover 5,000 miles in the US. Very impressive.
Christophe de Goulaine and Pierre Lauvergeat are traveling across the United States in this WW1-era Harley Davidson motorcycle (courtesy of Operation Twin Links on Facebook)
Theo Mayer: Well, they're an interesting couple of guys. They're not really sponsored. They're taking a nice ride. I mean, that's really what they're doing and it's on your Harley! Of course, it's a great testament to Harley if a century old machine can still cross the country.
Bill Jackson: Absolutely. We are the oldest manufacturer. Not many out there can say that they're hundred years old. It happens to be, I'm sure as you know, that we're also celebrating 115th anniversary of the company.
Theo Mayer: Congratulations on that. Well, thank you so much for joining us. Our listeners love motorcycles and they love Harley so thank you for coming by.
Bill Jackson: You're very welcome. Thank you.
Theo Mayer: Bill Jackson is the archive lead for Harley-Davidson. Learn more about Harley-Davidson and the history of motorcycles in war time by following the links in the podcast notes.
Podcast Notes and links
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum/explore/archives.html
http://www.ridingvintage.com/2012/12/war-machines-american-motorcycles-of-wwi.html
https://www.thrillist.com/cars/history-of-u-s-military-motorcycles
http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2018/06/29/100-year-old-harley-davidson-returns-from-france-to-honor-american-wwi-soldiers.html
From the World War I Centennial News Podcast
Remembering Veterans:
The Daughter's of the American Revolution's Tracy Robinson, and the "re-chickenization" of France
In August 3rd's WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 83, Tracy Robinson joined us from the Daughters of the American Revolution to discuss the contributions of the DAR during the Great War, including the aptly named "re-chickenization" of France. The following is a transcript of the interview:
Theo Mayer: In a recent editorial planning session this subject came up, and although it's only part of our theme for this section, I'm really excited that we're about to tackle this very intriguing subject: the "re-chickenization" of France. Interesting, huh? It's part of what the DAR, the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, took on for post-war Europe. Joining us today is Tracy Robinson, Director of Archives and History for the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Tracy, welcome to the podcast.
Tracy Robinson: Thank you, Theo. It's a pleasure to be with all of you today.
Theo Mayer: Tracy, could you start off by telling us a little bit about the Daughters of the American Revolution: when and how the group started, and how its mission has evolved over the years?
The DAR, founded in 1890, is a volunteer service organization dedicated to patriotism, education, and historical preservation.
Tracy Robinson: DAR was founded in Washington DC during the fall of 1890 by four women, along with two of their colleagues, in response to the founding of the Sons of the American Revolution earlier that year in the spring. Very quickly after their founding (the SAR), they voted to exclude women from membership, which didn't go over very well with women who didn't think their patriotism should be discarded. on account of their sex.
DAR is a volunteer service organization. All of the service projects undertaken by chapters and state societies seek to honor in one way or another one or more of the society's three objectives: patriotism, education and historic preservation. All of these efforts include both fording active duty military personnel and assisting veterans program.
To join DAR, you must be a woman at least 18 years of age and be able to prove your direct descent from a revolutionary war patriot. When you consider as we will the enormous volume of work DAR members did to support the Allied effort during World War One, it becomes even more remarkable when you remember that DAR was relatively young. They hadn't celebrated their 27th birthday yet when United States entered the war in 1917 but they got themselves organized very quickly.
Theo Mayer: Well, they did a lot of wonderful things during the war and one of the programs just happens to fascinate me because I love the term. The DAR took on the challenge to "re-chickenize" France. Now, what does that mean and it begs the question, how did France get "de-chickenized"?
Tracy Robinson: Well, France got "de-fooded" pretty much during the war. In June 1918, the DAR learned of a plan. The American Committee for Devastated France had devised a plan to "rechickenize" France. The DAR responded with a bulletin proposing that Daughters organize local campaigns to involve their community's children in this project to sort of funny words that all they thought would appeal to children. The goal of the fundraising campaign was to supply the French people with much needed poultry farm to fill a gap in their food supply. A donation of only 10 cents placed a chick on a farm. A donation of 25 cents placed an egg in an incubator. $400 established a poultry farm with two incubators, a thousand eggs and one wounded soldier to work as the poultry man for one year. To encourage donations, the DAR created a button pin with a drawing of a chicken and the phrase, “I have a chicken in France,” which was given for those 10 and 25 cents donation.
Pins such as these were given to people who donated to the DAR's Rechickenization program
Theo Mayer: Post-war, you played a huge role in establishing thousands of memorials in the US honoring those who served in World War One. Can you tell us more about that?
Tracy Robinson: The DAR has and has always had a very large historical marker program, generally speaking. There are not only thousands of markers in the US but in many other countries of the world as well especially in Belgium and France where World War One is concerned and our leadership has encouraged our membership to identify and report World War One memorial to the commission and also to apply to the 100 Cities/100 Memorials program as appropriate.
However, I think that the most important post-war memorial was a living memorial of sorts and involves an effort by DAR to rebuild the village of Tiloloy, France which is located in the central northern part of the country. The entire village had been destroyed in the war and subsequently the wife of the French ambassador contacted DAR leadership to ask for help. After much discussion and planning and a visit to Tiloloy by DAR leadership, the society decided to fund the complete water systems of the village and, this is the touching part, as repayment to France for its aid during the American Revolution, and it was finally finished and dedicated during the summer of 1921 with both DAR members and French leaders in attendance.
Everything DAR members do is in honor of the sacrifices their ancestors made while fighting the American Revolution and it must have been a proud moment and probably a very healing experience after witnessing so much devastation to have this opportunity to rebuild part of that village at least as partial payment to our greatest ally during the American Revolution.
Theo Mayer: I know we've had a number of DAR chapters sign up for our Bells of Peace. It's a national bell toll, the Centennial Armistice on November 11th at 11:00 am local. How do we invite all the chapters to join?
Tracy Robinson: One of DARs permanent committees, it's called the Commemorative Committee and they encourage DAR chapter members to join in local commemoration. Our plans on the national level aren't firm yet. We're still tossing some ideas around about November.
Theo Mayer: Tracy, it's been great speaking with you. Thank you for joining us today.
Tracy Robinson: Thanks, Theo.
Theo Mayer: Tracy Robinson is the director of archives and history for the national society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more about the DAR, their archives and the role in World War One by following the links in the podcast notes.
Podcast Notes and links
www.dar.org/archives
https://www.dar.org/archives/women-resilience-dar-service-world-war-i
https://www.dar.org/sites/default/files/QuasquiFlashbackMJ15.pdf
https://blog.dar.org/celebrate-125-monday-daughters-aid-war-recovery
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.