WWI History Symposium at U.S. Army History & Education Center 

By Nicole Renna
Staff Writer, United States World War One Centennial Commission

On Saturday May 12th, 2018, the Pennsylvania World War One Centennial Committee will continue to observe the 100th Anniversary of the first World War through sponsorship of a World War One History Symposium at the United States Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA.

This event will feature four unique and engaging presentations by retired U.S. Army Major Kurt Sellers, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel John D. Shepard, Gloria J. House, author of Spirit of Philadelphia: A 100th Anniversary of WWI Story, and Barbara Selletti, genealogist, historic researcher, film producer, and academic librarian at Neumann University. Register now for this incredible historical opportunity.

The USAHEC and Symposium will open at 10:00 am, and attendees will be welcomed by PA WWI Centennial Event Chairman, before witnessing “The Eddystone Model of 1917 Rifle” presentation by retired U.S. Army Major, Kurt Sellers at 10:40.

This presentation will explore how the standard model 1903 Springfield rifle of government arsenal production failed to meet the demands of WWI and its expanding American forces, and how the Model 1917 rifle was innovated and implemented to support American forces.

United States Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA.After, lunch will be provided, then at 1:00 pm attendees will learn the full story of WWI American Infantryman, beyond the combat, dealing into the relationship between the Regular Army, the Militia/National Guard, and the different legislative milestones leading to the mobilization in 1917 through retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel John D. Shepard’s presentation: “Citizen Soldiers, Preparedness and Combat: G Company, 111th Infantry in the Great War.”

Another brief break will be offered, and then attendees will experience author Gloria J. House’s 2:10 pm presentation of “The Hog Island Shipyard in the First World War,” which will examine the story of the largest ship-building site at the time of the Great war, Hog Island, which was where now resides Philadelphia International Airport.

Attendees will again get a brief break before the final presentation of the day, by the achieved Barbara Selletti: “Women’s Contributions to the Great War,” which will be on the profound societal impact of WWI on women, who, after vast numbers of men were enlisted and conscripted, took on conventionally male roles and engaged in military service through nursing.

This free full-day program will be an engaging historical experience for all those who register. Join the USAHEC for this incredible examination on the worlds calamity of WWI which fundamentally changed America.

Learn more about all-volunteer effort bringing this symposium to fruition at https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/pennsylvania-ww1-centennial-events/eventdetail/54191/world-war-1-history-symposium-2018.html. Register to attend this WWI commemorative event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-war-one-history-symposium-tickets-44459480503.

Nicole Renna is a Spring 2018 Intern with the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission