Highlights

• Launching the Lottery: Feature |@ 01:15
• A tale of combat between a merchantman and a U-boat: Feature |@ 03:15
• The Russians and the Balkans: Guest Mike Shuster |@ 06:30
• The Storyteller & The Historian with Dissent in 1917: Guests Richard Rubin and Jonathan Bratten |@ 10:35
• Wrapup on Bastille Day: Feature |@ 16:30
• “The Extraordinary Adventures of Colonel Hughes”: Event |@ 18:30
• Governors Island WWI History Weekend: Guest Kevin Fitzpatrick |@ 20:00
• “Luck of the Draw”, NZ art projects commemorating WW1: International |@ 24:45
• Nieuport 11’s on Vimy Ridge Commemorative flight arrive in London: International |@ 28:15
• Youtube history hit channel “Extra Credits”: Guest James Portnow|@ 29:00
• Stephanie Trouillard young french journalist on the WWrite Blog |@ 35:15

And more…

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• We say farewell to Former Commissioner James Nutter: Dan Dayton |@ 00:30
• Poland in WW1 - Part 1: The Oath Crisis |@ 01:45
• Poland in WW1 - Part 2: What you probably did not know: Jan Lorys |@ 03:45
• The US government federalizes the shipbuilding industry |@ 10:45
• Women take up the fight in Europe: Mike Shuster |@ 19:15
• Americans who fought before America’s declaration: Richard Rubin & Jonathan Bratten |@ 23:30
• President Trump in Paris for Bastille Day WW1 Commemoration |@ 28:45
• Junior Master Gardener Poppy Project: Lisa Whittlesey |@ 29:30
• NYC museum exhibit: “Posters & Patriotism” |@ 35:45
• Utah grant program for WW1 events, research and memorials |@ 36:45
• “They Also Served” overlooked WW1 participants |@ 37:45
• Story about Star Spangled Banner widely picked up |@ 40:15
• The Buzz about gas:Katherine Akey |@ 42:15

And more….

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• History: Pershing’s 4th of July 1917 |@ 01:30

• History: Race riots in East St. Louis |@ 03:45

• Feature: US Official Bulletin - Logistics |@ 06 :00

• Guest: Joe Johnson, Logistics Expert: Defense Acquisition University |@ 10:30

• Guest: Mike Shuster, Espionage Act attack on bill of rights |@ 15:50

• News: President Donald Trump heading to Paris for WW1 Franco/US commemoration parade |@ 20:30

• Event: Commissioner O’Connell “Feeding The Fight” with WWI culinary event in NYC |@ 22:00

• Guest: Ellouise Schoettler “Ready to Serve” - one woman show about WWI Nurses |@ 23:15

• States: Texas exhibit: “From Cowboy to Doughboy” & Jim Hodgson article |@ 29:15

• International: London mail tunnels reopen as museum attraction |@ 30:10

• Feature: 16-year-old teenage girl flies 100-year-old Jenny |@ 31:20

• WWrite Blog: New post flips on convention with writer exploring redeeming qualities of combat violence!? |@ 34:00

And more….

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• Help: 4th of july donation appeal video | @00:00

• Feature: The Red Cross we know today | @01:45

• Guest: Mike Shuster - The anti-war resistance “over there” | @11:00

• War In The Sky: Louis Bennet | @15:30

• Guests: Richard Rubin & Jonathan Bratten - General Robert Nivelle | @19:00

• Feature: Keith Colley’s Mobile WW1 Museum | @26:15

• Guest: Jerry Meyer bringing back Chautauqua | @27 :45

• International: Many events in France last week | @33:00

And much more…

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights:

• Introduction: Espionage and Sedition Acts | @00:45

• Guest: Mike Shuster “Where Are The Americans?” | @02:15

• Feature: Going big on the air war | @06:45

• War In the Sky: the “Flying Circus” | @10:15

• Feature: The StoryTeller & The Historian - Americans arrive | @12:45

• Commission: Memorial restoration matching grant deadline extension | @18:45

• Guest: Courtland Jindra - Victory Memorial Grove project profile | @19:50

• Q? Who said: “Lafayette We Are Here!” | @27:00

• Feature: National History Day prize winners | @28:40

• Media: Cylinder recording archive | @32:30

• Media: Wonder Woman - Again? | @34:30

• Honors: Capt. James Miller - Distinguished flying cross 99 years after | @35:45

• Q? What is the Ghost Fleet? | @36:30

• Social Media: The 11 soldier sons of Ike Sims3 | @39:30

And much more…

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• 100 Year Ago: Flag Day 1917 like no other |@ 00:45
• 100 Year Ago: First Liberty Bond drive big success |@ 02:30
• Guest: Mike Shuster - Pershing Arrives in Europe |@ 09:15
• Guests: Eileen Dumont & Paul Callens on Ralph Talbot |@ 13:00
• Feature: The Storyteller and The Historian: on the selective service |@  19:00
• PTSD Month: Charles Whittlesey’s Suicide |@ 26:45
• Education: Edu-Newsletter “Animals at War” comes out |@ 28:30
• Feature: The Violin of Private Howard |@ 32:15
• Media: Wonder Woman - Three theories on why it’s set in WW1 |@ 34:00
• Instagram: Pershing Pic hit on social media |@ 39:00

And much more….

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• Official Bulletin: Ships, planes, wood, film, and phones |@ 03:00
• Guest: Mike Shuster on the big explosion on the Messine Ridge. |@ 10:00
• The Storyteller & The Historian: George Cohan’s “Over There” turn 100 |@ 14 :00
• Events: Virginia WW1 Reenactment Day |@ 20:30
• Special: PTSD awareness month |@ 21:30
• Guest - 100C/100M: Dr. Steve Kelly on Brownwood texas Post 196 project |@ 28:00
• Guest: Roy Steinberg on the play “Billy Bishop Goes To War”|@ 33:30

And much more...

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• Official Bulletin: War bonds, fake news, prostitutes, shoes, trucks and draft dodgers |@ 01:00
• Guest: Mike Shuster on the low enthusiasm, Creel, 4 minutes men and arrests for disagreeing with the government. |@ 07:15
• War In The Sky: Profile Raynal Bolling |@ 11:00
• Events: Memorial day retrospective |@ 14:00
• States: NY “Beyond The Trenches”, Eternal Light - relit, IN - Aaron Fisher, PA - Big boom at Eddystone |@ 15:15
• Guest: Dr. Cathy Gorn - executive director of National History Day |@ 19:00
• Guest: Donna Crisp National Vice Chair of Commemorative Events for the 100th Anniversary of WWI for the DAR. |@ 25:15

And more...

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights:

• Bulletin: Hear headlines and stories from the “Official Bulletin” |@ 02:15
• Guest: Mike Shuster on the mutinies in France |@ 06:15
• America’s WW1 Memorial: what CFA approval means from Edwin Fountain |@ 10:35
• Memorial Day: History, significance, observance and links to activities |@ 12:00
• States: Indiana article on Opha May Johnson, Alabama on National League for Woman’s Service |@ 14:30
• Education: National History Day |@ 16:15
• Media Spotlight: Robert Laplander / Doughboy MIA in the news |@ 19:00
• Guest: Richard Rubin on his new book: “Back Over There” |@ 20:45
• Guests: John Brancy and Peter Dugan on their WW1 music album |@ 25:30

Much more...

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights:

• New Feature: Now publishing the 1917 Official Bulletin daily at ww1cc.org/bulletin | @ 00:45
• History: “You want to send American troops to FRANCE!?!” | @ 05:00
• Big News: National WW1 Memorial gets nod and OK from CFA | @ 11:30
• Helping out: Peer-to-peer fundraising video for Memorial day | @ 12:30
• Sports: Randy Mobley - President of the International League | @ 15:00
• Education: St. Mary’s University, Texas students making WW1 Mini Docs | @ 22:15
• Theater: New WW1 play in Los Angeles | @ 24:15
• Television: Nat Geo TV WW1 Special to air Memorial Day weekend | @ 25:00
• Music: 369th experience | @ 25:45

Much more...

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights:

• Feature: Mothers in WW1 | @ 00:45
• Guest: Mike Shuster on poetry in the trenches | @ 06:30
• War In The Sky: Colonel Rene Fonck | @ 10:15
• Recipe: The Monkey Gland | @ 13:05
• Guest: Nathan King on new National Park Service WW1 web site | @ 14:00
• International: Albert Ball new journal released | @ 20:00
• Media: Gordon Thomas Ward new single - “The Boys of 17” | @  21:30
• Web: New WW1 Promotion Tool Kit at ww1cc.org/promotion | @ 25:00
  

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights:

• 1917 - US makes $200,000,000 loan to UK | @ 01:20
• Guest - Michael Lombardi: Profile of William Boeing as an entrepreneur and visionary | @ 07:15
• Events - WW1 gets into the swing of baseball games | @ 12:30
• Guest - Jordan Beck: Sgt. Stubby the animated film profile and update | @ 15:30
• International - ABMC sponsors WW1 education program with American School in Paris | @ 21:00
• Web - Vande Mataram site launches on ww1cc.org | @ 21:45
• Social Media - moss is mostly good | @ 26:00

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• 1917 - It turned into the world’s largest aerospace company, Boeing @ 6:57
  
  
• Events - Colleges & Universities commemorate @ 9:15
  
  
• Events - Virginia International Tattoo @ 10:15
  
  
• Interview - Randal Dietrich WWI Specialist from the Minnesota Historical Society @ 11:00
  
  
• International - Anzac Day, what is it and what does it commemorate @ 16:30
  
  
• WWrite Blog - Ernest Luke McClees on WWI-era propaganda @ 18:30
  
  
• The Buzz - WW1 explained as a bar fight - social media meme @ 19:45

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

• 1917 - President Wilson sets up Public Information Office to sell war to America | @ 00:45

• Event - In Flanders Field event in Washington DC this month | @ 08:30

• States - California website goes live | @ 10:35

• Article - US Coast Guard in WW1 interview | @ 12:50

• WWrite Blog - Post by James Moad | @ 14:10

• Media - Special magazine pubs for Time and The Atlantic | @ 14:45

• Much more...

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WW1 Centennial News - Weekly Podcast

World War One Centennial News:
April 19, 2017

Opening

Welcome to World War One Centennial News. It’s about WW1 news 100 years ago this week  - and it’s about WW1 NOW - news and updates about the centennial and the commemoration.
WW1 Centennial News is brought to you by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library.
Today is April 19th, 2017 and I’m Theo Mayer - Chief Technologist for the World War One Centennial Commission and your host today.

World War One THEN

100 Year Ago This Week

The war with Germany is approved by a wide margin in Congress. But it is still unclear, how much support it has among the American people.
So - On April 13, by executive order, President Wilson creates the Committee on Public Information. This new, powerful committee is headed by a guy named George Creel, a newspaperman who is a long-standing ally of Wilson’s - ya gotta love history!!! The committee also has representatives from the State, War, and Navy departments.
Their mission is to write news items, create pamphlets and posters and even publish their own newspaper. They send out 75,000 speakers across the country to promote the war effort.
Put bluntly, the government fires up a propaganda ministry to support the war agenda.
Check out the full story and see what the new - 1917 committee on public information is all about!
Link: http://today-in-wwi.tumblr.com/post/159546485618/wilson-creates-committee-on-public-information

Great War Project

Looking at what is going on in Europe, we are bringing in Mike shuster, former NPR correspondent and curator of the great war project blog. So Mike - things worked well - originally - for the Canadians and the Brits in the Vimy Ridge campaign, but new fighting tactics and new tank technologies fail, and a lot of good men lose their lives for very little gain as things go on - Tell us the story please.
LINK:
www.greatwarproject.org/

War in the Sky

It is the middle of Bloody April - in great war in the sky 100 years ago this week.
I have found it interesting and perhaps a bit disturbing that the language about these these early days of aviation sometimes sound like some sort of sports adventure game, ---- but the life and death struggles in the sky were very real. Though the references may speak of scoring wins, these are, in fact, duels to the death.
The charisma of these escapades are fully exploited by the propaganda machines of each side, using the technology of aviation to crown new champions, aces and heroes.
In one such reference, on April 11,  2017 Baron Von Richthoven scores and is lauded for his 41st “Kill" surpassing his mentor - Boelke's  record of 40.
On April 16th, French General Nivelle launches a major offensive south of the Somme, --called the battle of the Aisne - which is stopped by the germans. In an attempt to assist, Britain’s Royal Flying Corps cranks up a really high sortie rate, resulting in very high losses ---- meanwhile on the ground,  the extreme high French troop casualties bring on a French Army mutiny. This is a war weary time in Europe.
In the US on April 20th, preparing for joining in the battle, near Pensacola Florida, the US Navy flies the DN1 - the first US airship. America - energetic and pumped - is preparing to enter the fray.
And that is the war in the sky 100 years ago this week.

LINK:
ww1cc.org/warinthesky

The Great War Channel

Videos on the history of the WW1, exactly 100 years ago - from a more european perspective.
We encourage our podcast listeners to check it out.
This week - the Great War Channel’s new episodes include:

1. Western Front Artillery
2. Smoke Screens - Fortress Location - Recruitment Age
3. The Canadian Corps Takes Vimy Ridge - The Battle of Arras -

Link:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGreatWar

World War One NOW

Activities and Events

Perspectives on American Entry into World War I
This month on April 25th, the Department of Defense will be hosting a history speaker series event called: Perspectives on American Entry into World War I - the series will be held at the Pentagon.
Speakers include Dr. Thomas Boghardt, Dr. Robert Doughty, and Dr. Jennifer Keene. Covering topics  that include U.S. military intelligence operations in postwar Europe.  It sounds interesting - and we welcome the DOD to the national conversation on WW1. there are a couple of links in the chatroom or the podcast notes for you to learn more.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/OSDHO
 http://history.defense.gov/

 
“In Flanders Fields” event in DC April 30
Also in DC this month, on April 30  at noon in Washington DC's Pershing Park - the planned future home of the national WW1 Memorial -
there will be a ceremony to commemorate Lt. Col. John McCrae’s timeless poem “In Flanders Fields” . This is considered the world’s most famous war memorial poem. I don’t know if I can do it justice but here it is.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The poem printed on our Poppy fundraising kits - you can take a look and read the poem at ww1cc.org/poppy - in the FAQs about why the poppy is such an internationally recognized symbol of military sacrifice.
Back to the ceremony - This 3rd Annual event is sponsored by the "In Flanders Fields" fund, a non-profit organization created at the centennial of the poem. The fund hopes to keep the poem's message alive - through education and inclusion, while delivering on its directive to continue making the world a better place.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/2197
Link to poem: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/1881#why-is-the-red-poppy-is-an-internationally-recognized-symbol-of-remembrance-for-veteran-sacrifice

Updates From The States

California
We had Bill Betten from the California WW1 Task Force was on the show a few weeks ago. Today we would like to congratulate Bill and the entire task force for their hard work on the California WW1 Centennial web site --- which went live this week ! and I happen to know,  largely due to the great effort from Bill himself - who took that on as a personal challenge and contribution - you’ll find the site at ww1cc.org/california - all lower case - This site will be a focal point and a valuable resource for California’s WWI information, and commemoration efforts. Congratulations California.
Link: www.ww1cc.org/california
Now let’s widen the lens with our international report.

International Report

Sunken WWI cruisers given war grave status to save them from scrapheap
From the UK the headlines read: Sunken WWI cruisers given war grave status to save them from scrapheap.
Three British cruisers sunk by a single German submarine in the First World War have been given protected war grave status.
The cruisers HMS Cressy,  Aboukir and Hogue were sent to the bottom of the sea about 20 miles off Holland in September 1914, leaving 1,459 sailors dead.
It was feared illegal salvage operators could plunder the wrecks. Each of these ship are worth a fortune in scrap bronze - currently priced at over $4,800 per ton.
The Ministry of Defence has designated the wrecks under the Protection of Military Remains Act, that protects military vessels in UK waters or - when British-flagged - in international waters. Follow the link to read more.
Link: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/792282/sunken-WWI-cruisers-war-grave-status-save-from-scrapheap

US Navy 'jack-the-lad' deserter turned WW1 military hero
Here’s an international story that has it’s roots in the U.S. - from the BBC the headline reads: US Navy 'jack-the-lad' deserter turned WW1 military hero.
Former US Navy sailor Leroy West - AKA "Jack-the-lad" was in UK’s 4th Battalion, the Northamptonshire Regiment, in Palestine.
The sniper was honored with a hero’s medal  after the Second Battle of Gaza on April 19th 1917. West survived the war but then disappeared from all records. Probably - going to ground  - in order to hide from US authorities seeking him for desertion.
Check out the full article to discover the secret identity of this WW1 hero.
Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-39589995

Posts and Articles

U.S. Coast Guard played key roles in World War I (Scott Price interview)
The first article - The U.S. Coast Guard played key roles in World War I, both here at home, and overseas.
To help tell that story, the Coast Guard joins the national conversation on WW1 with a remarkable new web page, full of stories, photos, and other goodies.
Scott Price, the Coast Guard's Chief Historian is interviewed by the commission this week and talks about the new page and the coast guard's contribution to the great war. We should probably invite Scott on the show. It’s a great story.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2195-u-s-coast-guard-played-key-roles-in-world-war-i.html

Lawrence, MA honors its WWI casualties in Europe 
As many as 19,000 men and women from the city of Lawrence Massachusetts  may have fought in both world wars.
Next month, City Councilor Marc Laplante will fly to Europe for an eight-day trip through five cemeteries in France and Luxembourg where forty five of the Lawrencians killed in the wars are buried.
At each of the graves and memorials, Laplante will plant the city of Lawrence's blue and white flag.
Read the interview on the site where he talks about his upcoming trip and the research that went into finding these local heroes overseas.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2196-lawrence-ma-honors-its-wwi-casualties-in-europe.html

WWrite Blog
This week on the WWrite blog, celebrated author and former Air Force pilot James Moad the second,  connects the tragedy of the great war to modern conflicts.
This post is presented in dramatic prose reminiscent of a monologue one might find in play. Moad’s poetic skill and word craft is truly on display in this post. Don’t miss it at ww1cc.org/w-w-r-i-t-e
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/articles-posts/1704-former-air-force-pilot-writer-director-and-actor-james-moad-brings-wwi-to-present-with-the-story-of-our-time.html

Spotlight in the Media

Magazines
On the Newstands this week and almost sold out  the 2017 TIME SPECIAL EDITION - WORLD WAR I THE WAR THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD - this is 94 pages edition loaded with poignant photos and stories.
Also this month in the magazine world , the Atlantic has a special issue called World War 1: How the Great War Made the Modern World. This issue takes a more contemporary look at the war with articles like “Why Don’t Americans Remember the War?” and “Yes, It Could Happen Again.”
You can find both of these issues at your local grocery store, newsstand. They are also available online in both digital and print formats through all major online retailers.  Word is -- that the special printed editions are selling out fast
Link: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/toc/2014/08/

Film
Watch This Feature-Length Dance Film Inspired by World War I
we have discovered a unique piece of World War One media this week. Believe it or not, there is a world war one dance film out there and it’s called Young Men. Choreographed by Iván Pérez, Young Men is a feature-length film starring British dance company BalletBoyz and based on a stage production of the same name. Conceived by BalletBoyz artistic directors and former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, the film follows a young soldier as he prepares for war—and as he eventually experiences war's destruction and brutality. The full film is available now. Follow the link in the chatroom to see it.
Link: www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/young-men-full-episode/6784/
http://www.dancemagazine.com/watch-this-feature-length-dance-film-inspired-by-world-war-i-2349626630.html

The Buzz - WW1 in Social Media

It is time for The Buzz - WW1 in Social Media
We have Katherine Akey with us to guide us through social media conversation wall. Hi Katherine.
18 Photos That Show How Great-Grandpa Got Ready for WWI
https://undertheradar.military.com/2017/04/18-photos-show-great-grandpa-got-ready-wwi/?ESRC=under.sm

“Our Wings of Victory,” the Manufacture of Military Aeroplanes During WWI
https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2017/04/11/spotlight-our-wings-of-victory-the-manufacture-of-military-aeroplanes-during-wwi/#more-14045

New Book: “The Journey: An American Soldier in WWI”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454308984907190&set=o.185589304949709&type=3&theater

Closing

We want to thank our guests
Mike Shuster from the Great War Project blog
Katherine Akey the Commission’s social media director,
Justin Mickens our line producer
And I am Theo Mayer - your host this week.


Pledge

The US World War One Centennial Commission was created by Congress to honor, commemorate and educate about WW1. We rely entirely on your donations. No government appropriations or taxes are being used.
Our programs are to--
inspire a national conversation and awareness about WW1;
we are bringing the lessons of the 100 years ago into today's classrooms;
We are helping to restore WW1 memorials in communities of all sizes across our country;
and we are building a National WW1 Memorial in Washington DC.
All of this work depends on your support, so please give what you can.
It's easy by texting: WW1Now to 41444. that's ww 1 now to 41444
WW1 Centennial News is brought to you as a part of that effort. We want to thank commission’s founding sponsor the Pritzker Military Museum and Library for their support.
The podcast can be found on our website at ww1cc.org/cn  and in the iTunes store at ww1 Centennial News.
Our twitter and instagram handles are both @ww1cc and we are on facebook @ww1centennial.
Thanks for joining us. And don’t forget to talk to someone about the centennial of WW1.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

WW1 Centennial News Video Podcast on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ww1-centennial-news/id1209764611?mt=2
 

Weekly Dispatch Newsletter
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/2015-12-28-18-26-00/subscribe.htm

Highlights

• Note - WW1 Centennial News changes format to Audio Podcast - notes
• Interview - Kevin Fitzpatrick on NY Harbor seizures of German ships | @ 01:20
• Song - "If He Can Fight Like He Can Love" | @ 07:00
• Interview - Chris Christopher on April 6 Commemoration Ceremony in KC | @ 08:15
• Interview - Jim Corridan, the Indiana WWI Centennial Committee Chair | @ 14:15
• 100C/100M - 9 weeks left to submit a matching grant application | @ 17:33
• WWrite blog - Tsingtao - more than a tasty Chinese beer | @ 19:25
• Media - PBS The Great War series now out | @ 20:00
• Much more...

Get links below - Watch the podcast above

---

WW1 Centennial News - Weekly Podcast

World War One Centennial News:
April 12, 2017

Open

Welcome to World War One Centennial News. It’s about WW1 news 100 years ago this week - and it’s about WW1 NOW - news and updates about the centennial and the commemoration.
WW1 Centennial News is brought to you by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library.
Today is April 12th, 2017 and I’m Theo Mayer - Chief Technologist for the World War One Centennial Commission and your host today.
A couple of months after launch, and listening to our subscribers, WW1 Centennial News is changing format to an audio podcast rather than a video podcast. There are a number of reason, but the most compelling from our subscribers was that:

1. They listen to the show while driving, working out or doing other things
2. Many people resist subscribing to video podcasts because they use up too much precious space on their mobile device. So by going audio, we only take up 30-40Mb rather than 500-600Mb. Even if you are not technical it’s easy to compare the numbers.

If you have any thoughts on this please contact us at ww1cc.org/contact.

World War One THEN

100 Year Ago This Week

The U.S Seizes German Ship
As the US declares war, the government scrambles to raise funds and stockpile the necessary equipment needed to join the allied effort overseas.
On April 14th the headlines from the Sausalito News reads: German Ships in US Ports Seized.
America’s war against Germany started on the homefront with the seizure of twenty seven ships in New York and four in San Francisco harbor.
These ships will be used to transport our doughboys to Europe.
The seizures didn’t stop there.
Through a campaign aimed to fight against “enemy alien” civilians, the US would seize over half a billion dollars in private property from German immigrants. These funds made up most of the funds in the country’s prewar budget.
Links: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SN19170414.2.72
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/us-confiscated-half-billion-dollars-private-property-during-wwi-180952144/

Some weeks ago, I spoke with Kevin Fitzpatrick about his memorial restoration project on New York’s Governors Island - and he mentions these actions. Here is what he has to say:

[Kevin Fitzpatrick]

Great War Project

Last week, Mike Shuster from the Great War Project brought us up April 5th - the day before the US entrance into the war. This week, we take a look to the turmoil brewing in Russia. Mike, we look forward to your post.

[Mike Shuster]
LINK:
www.greatwarproject.org/
Thank you Mike Shuster former NPR correspondent and the curator of Great War Project blog.

The Great War Channel

For weekly video on WW1 - there is The Great War channel on YouTube. The channel that shows you the history of the First World War, exactly 100 years ago - from a more european perspective.
If you don’t already subscribe to the channel - you should.
This week - the Great War Channel’s new episodes include:

1. Evolution of the British Infantry during World War 1
2. Meet Us in England - See WW1 Airplanes
3. The First American Shots Of WW1 - Guam And The Cormoran

Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGreatWar

World War One NOW

Commission News

Last week, the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission held its national centennial commemoration event at the National World War One Museum and memorial in Kansas City.
The event was well attended live and we also provided a satellite feed and a web stream that was carried by various folks.
We want to congratulate the production team headed by Chris Christopher from the WW1 Centennial Commission, Ed Bilous the artistic director from the Juliard school - Ed was our guest last week - Susan Davis International who pulled together all the other logistics and resources, the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, missouri and most of all to the great talent of actors, musicians, volunteers and speakers who come together for what has been recognized as a truly world class event - worthy of the solemn commemoration of America’s entry into World War 1.
But there were lighter moments as well. Here is one of the songs of the era that was performed live at the event called “If He can Fight, Like He Can Love” sung by Samantha gossard accompanied by Alla Wijnands on violin, and Bram Wijnands.
[song]
The American Doughboy - If he can fight, like he can love - what a soldier he will be!
With us today is Chris Christopher - the executive producer of the event for the Commission - Hi Chris.
So sum it up for us. What happened, how did it go and where do we go from here?
[Chris Christopher]
That was Chris Christopher the executive producer for In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace: Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I
Hosted by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.
Events coast to coast, overseas commemorate US WW1 centennial
There were commemoration events all over the country - some are still being held this coming week.
In New York, reenactors and active-duty Army soldiers gathered in Times Square to lay a wreath in honored of those who left to fight the war.
In California, a ceremony was held beneath the main arch of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
In Montgomery Alabama, they unveiled a statue to recognize the early American aviators who flew with the French military during World War I in the Lafayette Escadrille.
Even our friends in Europe stopped to a moment to reflect such as in the UK where they commemorated the centennial at the Guildhall in London.
We invite you to ww1cc.org/ww1now all lower case where you can see the entire ceremony as well as additional clips from Kansas city. We will be posting many new things to that site over the coming weeks.
We have a bunch of links for you.
Links: www.ww1cc.org/now
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/2170
http://dailytrojan.com/2017/04/06/veterans-speak-coliseum-wwi-event/
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2169-world-war-i-centennial-marked-at-maxwell-gunter-afb-on-april-6th-2017.html
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2171-pentagon-commemorates-100th-anniversary-of-us-entering-wwi-on-april-6th-2017.html
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2168-london-event-commemorating-centennial-of-us-entry-into-wwi-on-april-6th-2017.html

Activities and Events

Virginia International Tattoo
We want to highlight the Virginia International Tattoo. No.. it’s not about ink. The military tattoo comes from the early 17th century. It was originally a Dutch phrase doe den tap toe or "turn off the tap", a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct innkeepers near military garrisons to stop serving beer and for soldiers to get their butts to their barracks.
Today the term is often used for military drum or musical events.
The Virginia International Tattoo was established in 1997, as an annual celebration of patriotism and international goodwill.
Every year, the Tattoo welcomes over 1,000 performers from all over the world in a display of military bands, drill teams, massed pipes and drums, Celtic (KELTIC) dancers, choirs, and more. The WW1 Centennial Commission is partnered with this event and we invite you to get more information by visiting going to ww1cc.org/events and filtering to Virginia Tattoo (with two t’s)
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/commemorate/event-map-system/eventdetail/11018/virginia-international-tattoo.html

Updates From The States

Last week, the commission site for Indiana went live at www.ww1cc.org/indiana.
With us this week is Jim Corridan, the Indiana WWI Centennial Committee Chair.
Mr. Corridan is also the director of the Indiana Archives and Records Administration and the State Archivist.
Welcome Jim -----
Jim - tell us about Indiana’s WW1 commemoration efforts and the site.
[Jim Corridan Interview. ]
That was Jim Corridan the chair of the Indiana WWI Centennial Commission.

International Report

From Europe the headlines read: Honouring The Fallen: The Royals And Trudeau Remember Soldiers Lost In World War One Battle Of Vimy Ridge. On Sunday, The British princes Charles, William, Harry and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau joined French President Francois Hollande to remember the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Vimy Memorial Park in northern France. The event marked the 100th anniversary of the battle that stole the lives of 3,598 Canadians and injured 7,000. Vimy was not the most strategically significant of Canada’s World War One battles but was the first time that military units from across the country fought together for the first time.
Link: https://z1035.com/honouring-fallen-royals-trudeau-remember-soldiers-lost-world-war-one-battle-vimy-ridge/

100 Cities 100 Memorials

9 weeks left to submit a matching grant application for restoring your local WW1 Memorial
For 100 Cities / 100 Memorial - there are just 9 weeks left to submit a matching grant application for restoring your local WW1 Memorial. There are $200,000 in matching grants available for 100 projects around the country.
It’s not too late to go for that matching grants.
To help, we posted a series of link in this week’s 100 cities / 100 memorials blog at ww1cc.org/100memorials.
The first link will take you to a downloadable PDF of the application submission form.
The second link will lead you to a resources page where you learn from other projects submitted.
Another link takes you to the submission instructions.
And finally a link where you can ask questions of the program managers.
The clock is ticking so head over to www.ww1cc.org/100cities today.
Link: www.ww1cc.org/100cities
Application submission form
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/images/100c-100m/pdf/100c100m-application-form-reference.pdf
Information and resources
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/resources.html
Submission process
https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/2016-07-06-00-52-42.html
Ask a question
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/questions-answers/submit-your-questions.html

Posts and Articles

WWI centennial: Honoring U.S.’s sacrifice for world
This week, Commissioner Monique Seefried penned a piece for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Seefried a native of France talks about her feelings of the great war after she immigrated to the US. In a short span of time the American military ballooned from a force of thousands to millions. These men and women were from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. Together, this diverse coalition of Americans tipped the scales toward victory. In Monique’s own words “U.S. intervention in World War I is perhaps this country’s greatest contribution to world peace.” Follow the link to see the full article.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2176-honoring-u-s-s-sacrifice-for-world.html

WWrite Blog
You think Tsing Tao is just a (really good) chinese beer - It’s more and this week in the WWRITE blog Mark Facknitz talks about the Siege of Tsingtao.
Mark is an award winning short story author and a professor of English at James Madison University. In recent years he has divided his research interests between the Great War and Willa Cather. His post includes a beautiful series of photos that show life on a lesser known locations of the great war.. Check it out at ww1cc.org/wwrite
Link: www.ww1cc.org/wwrite

Spotlight in the Media

American Experience: The Great War
There American Experience WW1 documentary “The Great War” premiered on PBS on April 10th. If you missed it and the other episodes - you can find the full series on the PBS site. We have been looking forward to the release of this series for months and now it’s here. Follow the link in the chatroom to catch up on Monday’s episode.
Link: www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/great-war/

The Buzz - WW1 in Social Media Posts

As always, we’re rounding off today's program by taking a look at what was going in the world of social media and WW1 this week. Katherine Akey our social media director is with us, Katherine, welcome -
I heard the KC event actually led trending on Twitter for awhile on April 6 - Tell us about the big week in social media for WW1 this past week.
That’s the show for today. Thank you for listening!
We want to thank our guests
Kevin Fitzpatrick - historian and NY Governors island expert
Mike Shuster from the Great War Project blog,
Jim Corridan - the chair of the Indiana WW1 Centennial Commision
Chris Christopher from the US WW1 Centennial Commission
Katherine Akey the social Media director for the US Commission
I’m your host Theo Mayer.

The US World War One Centennial Commission was created by Congress to honor, commemorate and educate about WW. We rely entirely on your donations. No government appropriations or taxes are being used.
Our programs are to:
Inspire a national conversation and awareness about WW1;
We are bringing the lessons of the 100 years ago into today's classrooms;
We are helping to restore WW1 memorials in communities of all sizes across our country; and
We are building a National WW1 Memorial in Washington DC.

All of this work depends on your support, so please give what you can.
It's easy by texting: WW1Now to 41444. that's ww 1 now to 41444
WW1 Centennial News is brought to you as a part of that effort. We want to thank commission’s founding sponsor the Pritzker Military Museum and Library for their support.
The podcast can be found on our website at ww1cc.org/cn and in the iTunes store at ww1 Centennial News.
Our twitter and instagram handles are both @ww1cc and we are on facebook @ww1centennial.
Thanks for joining us. And don’t forget to talk to someone about the centennial of WW1.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

WW1 Centennial News Video Podcast on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ww1-centennial-news/id1209764611?mt=2

Weekly Dispatch Newsletter
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/2015-12-28-18-26-00/subscribe.html

WW1 Centennial News for Wednesday April 5, 2017

Highlights

1. WW1 Then - Heading into "Bloody April" in the Great War In The Sky | 06:00
   
   
2. Guest - Ed Bilous Artistic Director for "In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace" Kansas City event | 09:00
   
   
3. News - Indiana and Florida WW1 sites goes live at ww1cc.org/indiana and ww1cc.org/florida | 16:10
   
   
4. News - National focus by major media on WW1 rises as we approach April 6, 2017 | 18:45
   
   
5. WWrite blog - Gulf War veteran Seth Brady Tucker explains the influence of WWI poetry on his own writing | 19:55

Much more...

Get links below - Watch the podcast above

---

WW1 Centennial News - Weekly Podcast

World War One Centennial News:
April 5, 2017

Opening

Welcome to World War One Centennial News. It’s about WW1 news 100 years ago this week  - and it’s about WW1 NOW - news and updates about the centennial and the commemoration.
WW1 Centennial News is brought to you by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library. Today is April 5th, 2017 and I’m Theo Mayer - Chief Technologist for the World War One Centennial Commission and your host today.

Tomorrow, April 6th, marks the centenary of our nation’s entrance into first global conflict of the modern era, World War One.

Thank you to all of our listeners out there - who have been with us on this amazing journey coming up to this pivotal moment. And if you thought the run up was dramatic - you will be amazed at what happens to our nation, our culture, our politics, our technology and our position in the world over the coming months.

World War One THEN

100 Year Ago This Week

The headline reads - Danish Virgin Islands transfer to the United States.
The Americans were concerned that the Germans might seize Denmark’s colonies, giving them a submarine base in the Caribbean.
To prevent this, the United States and Denmark signed a treaty in 1916 to buy the islands for $25 million.  Denmark ratified the treaty in December - after a national referendum - which approved the measure by nearly two-to-one.  
The Danish flag was lowered over the Virgin Islands two days before Wilson was expected to ask Congress for a declaration of war on Germany 100 years ago this week.
Link: http://today-in-wwi.tumblr.com/post/159046372293/danish-virgin-islands-transferred-to-united-states

Great War Project

Joining us next is former NPR correspondent Mike Shuster from the Great War Project.  Mike - thanks for sending me the post…  
Your story on the Great War Project takes us all the way up to TODAY April 5th 100 years ago -  and there is still a huge reluctance to cross the line to war… tell us about it Mike…
LINK:
www.greatwarproject.org/
Thanks, Mike Shuster and the Great War Project blog.

War in the Sky

We are heading into a very tumultuous time.
The month becomes known as “Bloody April.”
In overview, The UK’s Royal Flying Corp, while supporting the Arras offensive, loses 245 aircraft—140 in the first two weeks—out of an initial strength of 365. Aircrew casualties are 211 killed or missing and 108 captured. The opposing Germans lose only 66 aircraft.
Jasta “Boelcke” - you remember them - the squadron named after the man who defined the original techniques for air to air combat - well the squadron shoots down 21 allies, Jasta 11 downs 89, and Von Richthofen alone shoots down  20 allies this month. It’s a bad month for allied air operations.
On April 4th, the British begin the air offensive for the Battle of Arras, aimed to capture Vimy Ridge. We will be talking more about that from a broader point of view in the coming weeks.
The British, with numerical superiority, expect victory, but their aircraft are still qualitatively inferior to the Albatros D. IIs and IIIs of the GAF.
In the 6-day period, April 4-9, the RFC lose 75 aircraft.
On April 5th, a new Allied aircraft  - The Bristol 1 and ½ strutter -is introduced to the air war by the 24th squadron. Unfortunately on this first day of operations the planes comes across the Richthofen’s Jasta 11’s Albatros D. IIIs and it does not go well.  The squadron would later recover from this poor beginning 100 years ago this week in the great war in the sky.
You can follow the events on our site with RG head’s comprehensive timeline at ww1cc.org/warinthesky
LINK: http://ww1cc.org/warinthesky

The Great War Channel

As we have mentioned, our friends from Germany at the Mediakraft Networks produce - - - The Great War channel on YouTube. The channel that shows you the history of the First World War, exactly 100 years ago - from a more european perspective.
We encourage our listeners to check it out.
This week - the Great War Channel’s new episodes include:

• The Forgotten Ally - Portugal in WW1
• Visiting the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
• Lenin Takes The Train - First Battle of Gaza
   

Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGreatWar

World War One NOW

There is only really one story for us this week - and that is the commemoration of the US declaration of war.

Interview with Ed Bilous - Artistic Director for In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace
Here in Kansas City, we are holding an event called - In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace: The Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I
With us today is Ed Bilous the Artistic Director for the program here in Kansas City - Ed is also the Director of the -  Center for Innovation in the Arts at the Juilliard School - Ed Welcome.

Activities and Events

Nationwide Events Commemorating U.S. Entry into World War I
Tomorrow while we are here in KC  there will be centennial commemoration events held around the country - some scheduled for the coming weekend and the coming week . You can go to the link at ww1cc.org/ww1now and use the menu to check out all the activity or go to our events register at ww1cc.org/events and filter down to your local area to see if there is something scheduled there.

Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/sacrifice-events-around-the-country.html

http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2112-nationwide-events-commemorating-u-s-entry-into-world-war-i.html

Updates From The States

Indiana
The Indiana state commission site is now online. Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to get this valuable resource out to the public. On this site you can find contact information for commission members, dates for their next committee meeting, and more information on their centennial celebration which will be held tomorrow at the Pershing Auditorium. You can get the site by going to ww1cc.org/indiana.
Link: ww1cc.org/indiana

Florida
The good folks from Florida really worked hard to get their site published before April 6th. The content for the site was developed and provided by the Florida Department of State from the resources of the Division of Library and Information Services, Florida Memory and Florida Division of Historical Resources.
They did a great job in telling Florida’s WW1 story. You can check it out at ww1cc.org/florida
Link: ww1cc.org/florida

International Report

The dogs of war: The animals that played a vital role during WWI, from rescue hounds to a pig used as a pillow!
From the UK the headlines read: The dogs of war: The animals that played a vital role during WWI, from rescue hounds to a pig used as a pillow! Last week, Cindy Rullman from Brooke USA was on the show to talk about the horses and mules that served in the war. This week, we have an article about all the other four legged creatures that found their way onto the battlefields of Europe. From mascot pigs, foxes, and circus elephants, the soldiers of world war one used what they could to get the job done. Don’t miss this article.
Link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4359902/The-animals-played-vital-role-World-War-One.html

Portraits of the Great War: Searching for descendants through art
Coming from the BBC this week the headlines read: Portraits of the Great War: Searching for descendants through art. Doug Jenkinson, a retired British doctor, is hoping to trace the descendants of allied soldiers and nurses portrayed in a celebrated collection of World War One pastels. Using the work of Swiss artist Eugene Burnand, Doug hopes that the descendants of the people depicted in this artwork will come forward to reclaim a little of their family history.
Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39406141

Posts and Articles

USA Today
The US WW1 Entry in War made the front page of USA today - continuing to dominate most of the second page.
It is an interesting article with some definite points of view. It is pretty fantastic to have WW1 front and center in the media - then and now a very controversial subject - take a read - and if you have any comments - let us know at ww1cc.org/contact. The national conversation on WW1 has officially begun!
Link: http://www.pressreader.com/usa/usa-today-us-edition/20170405/281513636003643

Centennial Commission salutes indispensable role of women in WWI
The entry of the United States into the War had a significant impact on women, their standing in society, and their civil rights. Commissioner and Chief Historian Emeritus at the History Channel, Dr. Libby O’Connell has an article on our site this week about how women helped expand the war effort. Women’s history month may be over, but we will still want to celebrate their sacrifice in service of a greater cause. Don’t miss this article.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/2135-centennial-commission-salutes-indispensable-role-of-women-in-wwi.html

WWrite
This week on the wwrite blog Gulf War veteran Seth Brady Tucker explains the influence of WWI poetry on his own writing about veterans of contemporary wars. Tucker is an award winning author and is the founder and co-director of the Seaside Writers' Conference. Currently, he teaches poetry and fiction workshops at the Lighthouse Writers' Workshop at the Colorado School of Mines. This week he recounts his time in iraq and his first encounter with the war poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen. Check it out when you can.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/articles-posts/1705-gulf-war-veteran-seth-brady-tucker-discovering-wwi-poetry-in-an-iraqi-foxhole.html
Also this week, the WWrite blog presents its Writerly News. This time it features:

1. "Raindrops on Your Old Tin Hat" by Fulbright Scholar and WWI Poetry Expert, Connie Ruzich
2. The Remembering WWI App from the U.S. National Archives
3. Veteran Writers Talk about WWI at the Pen/Faulkner Event

If this conversation interests you, be sure you subscribe to the blog at ww1cc.org/w-w-r-i-t-e.
Link: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/articles-posts/2107-wwrite-weekend-update-april-2nd.html

The Buzz - WW1 in Social Media Posts

This is a very busy week in social media for WW1- instead of specific stories - we will send you to our social media wall at ww1cc.org/social where you can see a mashup of all the stories posting on our facebook and twitter feeds.
The hashtags for WW1 for posting - reposting or searching for the conversation are:
#WW1CentennialKC, #WW1, #LestWeForget, #WWI
Link: http://ww1cc.org/social

Great! That’s it for today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day!
We want to thank our guests Mike Shuster and Ed Bilous for coming on to the show today.
WW1 Centennial News is brought to you by the US WW1 Centennial Commission and the commission’s founding sponsor the Pritzker Military Museum and Library. The videos can be found at ww1cc.org/cn. Don’t forget to sign up for our  eNewsletter the Weekly DISPATCH.
Our twitter and instagram handles are both @ww1cc and we are on facebook @ww1centennial.
Thanks for joining us. and….
Don’t forget to commemorate!
So long.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

WW1 Centennial News Video Podcast on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ww1-centennial-news/id1209764611?mt=2
 

Weekly Dispatch Newsletter
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/2015-12-28-18-26-00/subscribe.html

WW1 Centennial News for Wednesday March 29, 2017

Highlights

1. Guest - Commissioner Monique Seefried preview on KC April 6th event @ 06:45

2. News - Doughboy MIA list reduced by 1! @ 13:00

3. News - VFW WW1 section goes live on commission web site @ 14:20

4. Guest - Saving Hallowed Ground’s Memorial Tree Project with John Marks @ 16:45

5. Guest - Brooke USA about horses and mules serving during WW1 with Cindy Rullman @20:35

Much more...

Read the rest of this entry »

Highlights

1. Wilson Cabinet votes to enter war

2. Commission Press Conference on April 6 Event in KC

3. VFW presents $100,000 donation to WW1CC for event

4. WW1CC.org/April6 website launches

5. National Archive launches App that provides access to unseen WWI treasure

6. 100C/100M project spotlight on LA’s Victory Memorial Grove Project

7. WWrite blog - Military veteran author and director of the Center for Women Veterans at VA, Kayla Williams contributes article

8. Much more...

Read the rest of this entry »

This special edition is the press conference announcing:

In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace:
Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I

Hosted by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO

 

WW1 Centennial News for Wednesday March 15, 2017

Highlights

1.  1917 News - Wilson uses Executive order to arm merchant vessel - skips congress 

2. Guest - Mike Shuster - Russia goes into revolt

3. Commission - Patrouille de France to perform at April 6th event  & VFW joins WW1 Poppy Program

4. States - Bill Betten talks about California task force

5. Article - WWrite Blog - author Jerri Bell introduces WWI Navy Yeoman First Class Marjory Stoneman.

6. Media Spotlight - Will Smith's production company Tackling Max Brooks' 'Harlem Hellfighters'

7. Much more...

Read the rest of this entry »