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The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission presents "A First Look” at the new National World War l Memorial in Washington, DC
The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission is honoring the more than 4 million Americans who served in during WWI, and the 116,525 men and women who sacrificed their lives, with the “A First Look at the National World War l Memorial” program November 8-12, 2018. The Memorial site will be open to the public each day beginning with a presentation of colors at 9 a.m. and concluding with “Taps” at sunset daily. The “First Look Pavilion” will be open from 11am to 5pm each day for guests to see the memorial model, learn where the memorial will be constructed, and find out how to be part of the project. The “First Look” program also includes several Special Events which require free tickets to attend. Click here to find out more about the “First Look at the National World War l Memorial” program and find out how to register for the Special Events.
The Bells of Peace program gaining great momentum, with important Federal, state, and local participation nationwide
Late last week, the Commission received word that the bells at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC (pictured at left) will join the national bell tolling on 11/11 at 11:00 am local. Another exciting pledge came in last week from the U.S. Navy, which directs all Navy and Marine Corps ships, commands and organizations to Execute a bell ringing ceremony to recognize the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. Add several new states and a bunch of cities, towns, and many local organizations to the mix, and it looks like the nation is headed for a Really Big Ring on November 11. Want to be a part of it? Click here to learn more about 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.
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The new National World War I Memorial for the Nation's Capital achieved a significant milestone at the recent National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) meeting. The NCPC adopted the Memorial's revised design concept for the Memorial, which will be sited in Pershing Park in downtown Washington, D.C. World War I Memorial is currently being reviewed by both the NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which are key regulatory agencies that oversee memorial-making in the nation’s capital. Each part of the design review process moves the WWI Memorial towards design approval, anticipated in early 2019. Click here to read more about the NCPC design review, and what the approval means.
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#COUNTDOWNTOVETERANSDAY is Back!
Over the past four years, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission has run the #COUNTDOWNTOVETERANSDAY social media awareness campaign of Tweets and Posts on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram channels, to help shine our small light on veteran topics -- veterans issues, achievements, resources, organizations. We used the hashtag #COUNTDOWNTOVETERANSDAY because one day a year is not enough to think about America's veterans. There was great response to the campaign, and the hashtag was picked up widely in social media channels across the nation. This year is a special Countdown for us -- It is our Commission's last planned #COUNTDOWNTOVETERANSDAY campaign, and it is the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that finally ended the fighting in World War I. Click here to read more about the 2018 campaign, and how you can be a part of the action.
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U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Ronald Gidwitz joined the Ebony Doughboys (a group of American WWI re-enactors, partners to the WW1CC), local officials, residents of the Commune of Couvin, and mayors from French border towns to celebrate the liberation of Petite Chapelle by African-American soldiers fighting with the French 10th Army during World War I. This ceremony shed light on a forgotten chapter in U.S.-Belgian history and included the unveiling of a memorial in honor of the American regiment, the first permanent marker honoring the role of African-American soldiers in the war effort. Click here to read more about this multi-national Centennial event honoring WWI African-American soldiers.
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World War I appeared front-and-center last week, as the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission (WW1CC) acted as a major participant in the recent 2018 Annual Meeting in Washington DC of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). The WW1CC was down on the convention floor with a double-sized exhibit booth, featuring displays on the U.S. Mint 2018 Silver Dollar, the upcoming Bells of Peace nationwide tolling, as well as the scale-model sculptural Maquette of the new National World War I Memorial for the Nation's Capital. Dozens of WW1CC volunteers and staff helped to tell the booth visitors about the Commission, the war, and our efforts to honor Americans veterans. Click here to read more about the World War I presence at AUSA, the largest convention held annually in Washington, DC.
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From the World War I Centennial News Podcast
Remembering Veterans:
Dr. Erik Villard
In October 5th's WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 92, host Theo Mayer spoke with U.S. Army Center for Military History Digital Historian Dr. Erik Villard. Dr. Villard and his organization help preserve the memory of the Army and have created a website devoted to the development and experience of the Army in World War I. Click here to read a transcript of the entire interview.
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Updates from the States: Georgia
An Interview with Dr. Tom Jackson
In October 5th's WW1 Centennial News Podcast, Episode 92, host Theo Mayer spoke with Dr. Tom Jackson, Executive Director of the Georgia World War I Centennial Commission and retired Vice President for Public Affairs at the University of Georgia. In the interview, Dr. Jackson answered questions about Georgia's role in the war and the ongoing efforts to honor and commemorate Georgians who served. Click here to read a transcript of the entire interview.
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Episode #93
Highlights: Sgt. Alvin York
Host: Theo Mayer
Peace Explored & Rejected - Host | @01:55
Atrocities in Syria - Mike Shuster | @08:55
America Emerges: Sgt. Alvin York - Dr. Edward Lengel | @13:35
Commission News: The schedule is published - Host | @21:20
Events: NY Transit Museum WWI Day - Kevin Fitzpatrick & Polly DesJarlais | @23:40
Remembering Veterans: Charles Edward Dilkes - Dr. Virginia Dilkes | @31:10
Speaking WWI: Teddy Bear Suit - Host | @38:25
Historian’s Corner: Baseball in WWI - Jim Leeke | @41:40
100C/100M: Springdale PA - Mayor Jo Bertoline & Patrick Murray | @48:10
Articles & Posts - Host | @55:10
Buzz: The Centennial in Social Media - Katherine Akey | @58:20
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A man is only missing if he is forgotten.
Monday's MIA this week is Private John Edward Shannon Jr. The son of John and Della (Edward) Shannon, Private Shannon was born July 2nd, 1894 and was a coal miner when he entered the service on September 21st, 1917 at Newport, Indiana. Sent to Camp Taylor, Kentucky for training, he served first with Company B, 151st Infantry. He was then transferred to Camp Shelby, Mississippi and from there went overseas with the Camp Shelby June Automatic Replacement Draft on June 19th, 1918. He landed ‘Over There’ 12 days later and was sent to Company G, 23rd Infantry, 1st Division and with them was was killed during the Battle of Soisson on July 19th, 1918. His body was never found.
Private Shannon’s case is an excellent example of why we need YOUR help. Solving these cases takes research, and research costs money. Why not donate '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.
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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.
This WW1 Centennial Flag is made of durable nylon and measures 3'x5'. This flag has the iconic Doughboy silhouette digitally screened onto it and has 2 brass grommets to hang the flag.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this item are designated for this endeavor. You can show your support, and help promote the efforts, by proudly displaying your custom flag.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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Submitted by: Dorothy Eleanor Nicholas {Daughter}
Frank Clark Nicholas was born April 28, 1892. Frank Nicholas served in World War 1 with the United States Army. The enlistment was in 1917 and the service was completed in 1919.
Story of Service
Chapter One The Official Record
My father, Frank Clark Nicholas, was inducted into the army September 10, 1917 at Local Board 63 Brooklyn, NY. He was 25 years old. He was honorably discharged May 9, 1919.
Dad was a Private 1st Class in Company M, 308th Infantry, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces (the Metropolitan Division _ New York’s finest). He received training at Camp Upton Yaphank, NY. He sailed from New York for England April 7, 1918. From Brest, France he returned to New York on April 28, 1919 sailing on the SS America.
Dad’s ship leaving New York for England was probably the SS Statendam (the Statendam was torpedoed in July which corresponds to information in Dad’s letter dated July 23, 1918).
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