My time writing this WWI blog may be over, but you can bet this won't be the only time you'll see me writing and researching this fascinating period of history. Ever since the WWI Centennial began in 2014, I have made it my goal to consume as much information I can about that conflict and the people who served in and were affected by it. Now that I'll have more time away from schoolwork during the summer, I'll have even more chances to read books and articles and watch movies about WWI!
Some of you might be thinking, how can I experience WWI history 100 years later? Here are some tips I can offer:
- Attend living history reenactments or visit museums that have WWI exhibits. With Memorial Day on the horizon, there should be plenty of opportunities for the former.
- Read books and watch movies based on the war, even fictional ones. I would recommend A Crowded Hour by Kenneth Abing, a well-researched look on Milwaukee's history during WWI, which is also available to purchase at the Chudnow Museum's gift shop.
- Research your own family history to look for servicemen in your lineage. They may be several generations removed, but finding out that a distant relative served in WWI may be of great personal value.
- Visit www.worldwar1centennial.org, the official website of the United States WWI Centennial Commission, to follow their updates on the numerous exhibitions, events, and products they sponsor to help raise awareness of America's involvement in the Great War. Their website is always growing with new additions every week, and they also produce an excellent weekly podcast.
- Purchase a "Buddy Poppy" from a veteran, American Legion, or VFW member before a parade or sporting event. This is a simple and richly symbolic gesture of remembrance that dates to the end of World War One.
- Pay your respects at the grave of a military man who served during World War One. Every serviceman, no matter their rank or time spent overseas or stateside, played a part in this momentous conflict and deserves our continuing respect.
I would like to sign off by reprinting Alexander MacCrae's immortal poem In Flanders Fields. I feel that this poem perfectly captures the mood of those remembering and commemorating the fallen and departed of World War One, just as it had when it was first published in 1915. Every time I read it, it brings a tear to my eye and fills me with emotion. I hope you feel the same way when you read it.
-Jordan Heller
In Flanders Fields
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 thy 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 rest, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields