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Centennial of U.S. forces arrival in France marked by ceremonies, trans-Atlantic race
The first U.S. ground combat troops in World War I arrived in France on June 26, 1917. A century later, ceremonies and activities marking the historic occasion took place in St. Nazaire, where the initial shiploads of U.S. Army units came ashore, and Brest, center of U.S. naval activity in the conflict. But the centennial of U.S. forces getting "over there" in 1917 is also being observed by a flotilla of ships racing "over here" from France to the United States.
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Chillicothe, Ohio will commemorate centennial with Camp Sherman Days
Just north of Chillicothe, Ohio, Camp Sherman lies nestled on the banks of US-23, once the largest WWI training camp in the nation. Now a National Guard training facility, it will be part of a nine-day celebration (July 1-9) in honor of the former Army training center, and the contributions made by all those who served in the Great War. Check out the schedule of commemorative events and activities here.
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When the United States entered the First World War in April 1917, the U.S. Army tallied 128,000 officers and men, along with 182,535 mobilized National Guardsmen. These numbers were insignificant compared to the millions of men who were locked in a titanic death struggle in Europe. Unwilling to play a secondary role in the conflict now joined, the U.S. would have to train and equip armed forces numbering four million by the end of 1918 – a massive undertaking which would require months of feverish effort, including the construction of a whole network of training camps and, most importantly, bringing back the Draft. Read how the 1917 Selective Service Act, requiring all men ages 21-30 to register for military service, changed everything.
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U.S. Victory lapel pin: $4.95
Always popular, inexpensive and a great WW1 commemoration accessory to wear, share and give.
Proudly wearing the WWI U.S. Victory lapel pin is a meaningful way to honor the contributions made for our country one hundred years ago.
Soldiers received Victory buttons upon their discharge from service in “the Great War”. Hand cast in jeweler’s alloy and hand finished in a satin bronze patina, the design features the star, symbolizing victory, honor and glory; a wreath of evergreen laurel leaves symbolizing triumph over death; and the U.S. insignia, clearly identifying the country served.
This and many other Centennial Commemorative items are available in our Official Merchandise Shop. Visit, browse and buy. A portion of your purchase goes to the WW1 Commemoration Programs.
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Submitted by: April Stoddert Martinez {granddaughter}
Virginia Stoddert Moore served in World War 1 with the United States Navy. The dates of service are: Known 6/12/1918 to 4/17/1919.
My grandmother, Virginia Stoddert Moore, of Chicago, Ill, b. April 24, 1896, d. March 8, 1982, Service No. 145-64-22, volunteered to join the U S Navy and enlisted on June 12, 1918, at Great Lakes, IL, as a Yeoman First Class.
She was called to active duty, to "volunteer for general service and agree to any assignment to duty on the high seas or to service in any foreign country." Capt Moffett, then Commander of the base there, is recorded as saying she was the "first" there.
Virginia stated she felt like she was the first because of her status as a volunteer, when the first and subsequent women had been 'taken in', or 'conscripted' as secretaries. History records otherwise, I'm afraid.
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