Eloquence of Deeds- WW1 Centennial Commission

AUGUSTA, ME (04/04/2017) (readMedia)-- The Maine World War 1 Centennial Commemoration is hosting a public ceremony entitled "The Eloquence of Deeds", commemorating the Centennial of the United States Entry into World War 1 this Thursday, April 6 from 1-1:30 p.m. at the Maine State Cultural Building on 230 State Street, Augusta, Maine.
WHO: Maine National Guard
WHAT: Commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of WWI and celebration of the role that Maine played in that war.
WHEN: Thursday April 06, 2017 at 01:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Maine State Cultural Building
230 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04330
NOTES: Guest Speakers include Earle Shettleworth, the State Historian, Brig. Gen. Douglas Farnham, Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard and 1st Lt. Jonathan Bratten, Maine National Guard command historian. Representatives from Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Chellie Pingree’s office will also be present to read prepared remarks honoring this occasion. The event is free and open to the public. About the World War I Centennial CommissionThe Commission was established by the World War I Centennial Commission Act, passed by the 112th Congress and signed by President Barack Obama on January 16, 2013, and is responsible for planning, developing, and executing programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. The mission is to educate the country’s citizens about the causes, courses and consequences of the war; honor the heroism and sacrifice of those Americans who served, and commemorate the Great War through public programs and initiatives. To learn more about the Commission activities, visit ww1cc.org/tools.To further the mission, the Commission is leading the effort to build the National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. to honor the 4.7 million American veterans who served. To learn more about the Memorial, visit ww1cc.org/memorial.The Commission’s founding sponsor is the Pritzker Military Museum and Library (PMML) in Chicago, Ill. PMML is a nonpartisan research institution dedicated to enhancing public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made by America's veterans and service members. To learn more about PMML, visit www.pritzkermilitary.org. About the National World War I Museum and MemorialThe National World War I Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum holds the most diverse collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s National World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National World War I Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org. About the Maine National Guard’s involvement in World War 1After World War I was declared in 1917, the entire National Guard of the state was called into service of the United States. The War Department granted authority in September, 1917 for the establishment of an infantry regiment of National Guard, “to be fully equipped by the National Government and under its control, but not to be in Federal service unless called, the policy being to hold the newly organized National Guard units for service in the state.” This unit was formed around the 2nd Maine Infantry and was designated the 103rd Infantry Regiment, assigned to the 26th "Yankee" Division.The 103rd Infantry spent several months at initial training in Massachusetts before departing for France in 1917. The regiment arrived at Le Havre, France on October 16-21 and settled into a period of training under French advisor supervision. They moved to the front lines near Chemin des Dames on the Soissons Front on February 6, 1918. It was here that the regiment experienced its first combat, coming under artillery and gas attacks. Maine campaign credit in World War I includes the following: Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, Ile de France 1918, and Lorraine 1918.For more information about the Maine National Guard’s proud history visit http://www.me.ngb.army.mil/about/history/ww1.aspxFor More information about Maine’s WW1 Centennial activities, visit http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/maine-wwi-centennial-home.html, or email maine@worldwar1centennial.org