NY National Guard holds ceremony marking U.S, entry into World War 1 on Thursday, April 6

LATHAM, NY (04/05/2017) (readMedia)-- The New York National Guard will hold a ceremony marking the 100th Anniversary of the United States entry into World War 1 at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters on Thursday, April 6.

A color guard wearing World War I uniforms will be part of the ceremony.

WHO: Brig. Gen. Patrick Center, New York National Guard Director of Joint Staff. ; Col. (retired) Eric Hesse, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs; and Michael Lynch, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer.

WHAT: A short ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the day the United States Congress declared war on Germany and America entered World War I. Between April 6, 1917 and Nov. 11, 1918 more than 518,000 New Yorkers served in the military, of those more than 13,000 died in combat, or wounds or of disease. Representatives from the Division of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which is heading the state's World War I Commission, will speak.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 6, 2017

WHERE: New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY, 12198

Coverage Opportunities:

The 42nd Infantry Division Color Guard, which wears World War I uniforms to mark its creation during that war, will be part of the ceremony. World War I uniforms and equipment from the New York State Military Museum will be on display. Speakers will be available for interviews. New York Army and Air National Guard members and veterans will be in attendance.

Members of the press must call the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs Office at 518-786-4581 for access to this secure military facility.