World War I 100 Years

World War I 100 Years. . On this site stands a nationally-recognized World War One (world war one) monument. There are no World War I veterans left alive, but a century after the conflict that reshaped the world, we have organized and created this plaque to remember the importance of why they served, as we remember their dedication and sacrifice. The total troop mobilization for the U.S. was approximately 4.4 million persons. America was in the war for about a year and a half and lost 116,516 soldiers and just over 204,000 were wounded. The total casualties for the entire war was over 37.4 million people (Allies, Central Powers and civilians). , This Centennial of “The Great War” is the last best opportunity to teach Americans that world war one was in fact the most consequential event of the 20th Century. The debate about the role of America in the world; the balance between national security and civil liberties; the place of women, African Americans and immigrants in our society , all those issues were vigorously discussed and in the spotlight during world war one. , Many who fought for our nation were relatively new immigrants, or children of first generation immigrants. It is also of note that at the outbreak of the war, there were just four black regiments in the American military but by the end of the conflict, almost 400,000 black troops had served, many in combat and with great distinction. Their role paved the way for the eventual integration of the U.S. armed services. , When the U.S. entered the war 100 years ago, the country was a relatively minor player on the world stage. The war turned it into a world power. Those who served from Baldwin and surrounding communities joined others from New York State , a state that played a big role in the war , providing the most men, money and material to the war effort. One in ten soldiers was from New York State, of which, fourteen thousand died, and twenty-five were recipients of the Medal of Honor. , President Woodrow Wilson said, “The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them.” , To remember the First World War and its impact is not to just glorify heroism and sacrifice, but to reveal the catastrophe of spilled blood. But the nation owes it to our world war one Veterans. “LEST WE FORGET.” They can’t speak for themselves. There are none of them left among us. It’s up to us to carry this legacy forward. That’s a responsibility we have as responsible citizens. , Dedicated: November 11, 2018