Help national World War I commission get the word out

The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission has released a letter penned by executive director Daniel Dayton to American Legion members, asking for grassroots help in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Great War and its aftereffects. The text, and resource/contact information, is below.

Dear Legionnaires and fellow patriots,

One hundred years ago, German Gen. Erich Ludendorff was planning a massive spring offensive and knockout blow on the Western Front, leveraging troops from the Eastern Front upon the exit of Russia from the war. The American doughboy units already in France were training intensely, preparing for combat on the front. Soon the American Expeditionary Forces would number 2 million. President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress on Jan. 8 in a now famous speech: “Fourteen Points—a statement of principles intended to lay the foundation of lasting peace after the end of the Great War.” The war that ushered in the American Century.

Today, 100 years later in this centennial year, the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission continues its mandate to honor, educate and commemorate, working diligently to build a national memorial in Washington, D.C. We earnestly seek the help of American Legion members. Your work and advocacy in your local communities for veterans, war legacies and families makes a difference every day. We need your skill and talent in “spreading the word” in your locality. Spread the word about the historical significance of the war as it impacted our country, about educating your fellow citizens and the young about “the War That Changed the World,” and, finally, to raise money from individuals and institutions to build our national memorial.

Here is how the Legion can help:

– Take advantage of our vast store of education materials, view progress on the memorial, and use any meeting opportunity in your community to discuss the war and kindle interest in all matters related to the “War That Changed the World.”

– Donate as an individual or consider donating in the name of your post or in the name of the veteran your post was named after. For a post donation of $2,500 or more, we will inscribe a special WW1CC certificate to show our appreciation.

– Purchase a commemorative U.S. Mint World War I coin ($10 from the sale of each coin funds the memorial).

– Make sure your ancestors or family members who served are listed on the World War I Roll of Honor and donate in their names toward building the World War I national memorial with a “digital” remembrance wreath. The Roll of Honor features individual profiles for many of the more than 4 million American servicemembers who responded to the call of “Over There” in support of the war-weary Allies and helped achieve victory. All donations go directly toward funding the memorial.

Please visit our special web page at www.ww1cc.org/veterans to find a wealth of education, commemoration, and honor resources, plus specific information on how the Legion can help.

How may we be of service to American Legion posts? Please contact my Director of Veterans Service and Military Service Organizations, David Hamon (david.hamon@worldwar1centennial.org), if information or assistance is needed for your organization, for your members or to support a local campaign.

They fought. They sacrificed. Some died, all were forgotten. Together, we right a wrong. Make 2018 the year we reaffirm Americans never forget any veteran.

Let’s build this memorial. Let’s honor the World War I veterans.

With all best wishes,

Daniel S. Dayton

Executive Director, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission