Overview
Between November 8 and 12th, the World War One Centennial Commission held a number of events in honor of the Centennial of the Armistice. This included a public “First Look at the National World War l Memorial.”
The Memorial site was transformed for the week with exhibit and event tents and open to the public beginning with a presentation of colors at 8 a.m. Daily special events commemorating various groups who served 100 years ago and/or who commemorated the Centennial were honored. The week offered lots of entertainment, speakers, presentations and more...
Perhaps the pinnacle of the Commission's Armistice Centennial events was the Sacred Service held in partnership with Washington National Cathedral.
All these event are available for you below as videos.
Videos From The US World War One Centennial Commission's Armistice Centennial Events
World War I Armistice Day Centennial Sacred Service
November 11, 2018, 10:00 a.m. - This special event held in our nation's church offer a beautiful moment and meaningful moment in the Commemoration of WWI with a multi-denominational service honoring the Centennial of the WWI Armistice, from the WWI Centennial Commission in partnership with Washington National Cathedral.
The Nation Served: Wreath Laying Tribute to the States and Territories
November 8, 2018 - 11:00 a.m. – This ceremony launches a series of commemorative events giving a first look at the National World War l Memorial, Washington, DC and marking the Centennial of the Armistice that ended World War I. Representatives from each state and territory will place a wreath in the park to honor and remember all who served. The event includes a tribute to the program and accomplishments of the 100 Cities / 100 Memorials initiative. This is one of the Commission's great successes done in partnership with the Pritzker Military Museum and Library and with the support of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Program highlights:
- Wreaths placed by representatives of all States and Territories
- Concert by Pershing’s Own Brass Quintet
- 100 Cities / 100 Memorials reception
Women in Wartime: Tribute to the Women of WWI
November 8, 2018 - 2:00 p.m. – This event honors the women who supported the war efforts. The women of World War I demonstrated their ability to take on traditionally male roles and paved the way for future service of women in the U.S. military. Come meet and listen to some of America's most accomplished women military leaders as they pay tribute to the women who paved the path for all women, 100 years ago.
Program highlights:
- Screening of “The Soldier’s Journey” film about WWI National Memorial
- Wreath laying ceremony at the General Pershing Statue by noted veteran and active duty women of various services.
- Speakers and dignitary attendees include: Commissioner Debra Anderson, WWI Centennial Commissioner and Quartermaster, VFW, Rear Admiral Margaret Kibben, USN (Ret.), former National Commander of the American Legion, Denise Rohan, Admiral Michelle Howard, USN (Ret.), U.S. Navy: Lieutenant Commander Alexa Jenkins, President, Sea Service Leadership Association, U.S. Air Force: Brigadier General Wilma Vaught (Ret.), U.S. Marines: Rhonda Amtower, President, Women Marines Association, U.S. Coast Guard: Captain Lucinda Cunningham among others.
The Heroic Legacy: African Americans and Latinos of WWI
November 8, 2018 - 4:00 p.m. –The war directly impacted all minorities, male and female, soldier and civilian. This event honors the sacrifice and service of minorities during WWI.
Program highlights:
- Presentation by Medal of Valor Program
- Reenactment and theatrical performance by The Ebony Doughboys
- Screening of “The Soldier’s Journey”
- Speakers and dignitary attendees include: Commissioner Terry Hamby, Chairman,WW1 Centennial Commissioner, Reverend Dr. Calvin Cage, former USA Captain, Gerald York, grandson of Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant Alvin York, USA, Lawrence Romo, American GI Forum National Commander, Valor Medals Review Task Force Presentation by Major General Christopher Leins, USA (Ret.), Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of Duke Ellington, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S Representative for the District of Columbia, Bobby Sanabria and Elena Martinez, to talk about Puerto Rican influence in the 369th band, descendant, Noble Sissle, Jr. & James Reese Europe III, of Dr. Nevalon Mitchell, Jr. former USA Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)
- Performance by the 369th Experience Band, a recreation of the 369th Regimental band, 65 African American and Puerto Rican men who brought jazz to Europe
Tribute to the Homefront: Special Live Stream
November 9, 2018 - 12:00 p.m. - This event exploring the not only how the war affected those at home, but we will also present the non-military contributors to the war including the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, DONUTS, and more.... Special events and guests include:
- Commissioner Libby O'Connell
- American Red Cross
- Joe Weishaar - the lead designer for the National World War I Memorial
- Sabin Howard - The Sculptor for the National World War I Memorial
- Major James Shield US Army (ret.) - Salvation Army
- Donut Lassies!
SPECIAL FEATURE - Purple Hearts Reunited presentation to WWI Veteran Families
Bravest of the Brave: The Native Americans of WWI
November 10, 2018 - 11:00 a.m. – When the United States entered World War I, Native Americans were not yet citizens. Though they could not be drafted, Native American men volunteered to serve. This event recognizes the courageous contributions Native Americans made on behalf of our nation throughout World War I.
Program highlight:
- Speakers and dignitary attendees include: Commissioner Edwin Fountain, US World War One Centennial Commission, President Jefferson Keel, National Congress of American Indians, Ralph Zotigh, Kiowa tribal elder and descendant of a WW1 veteran, Commissioner Jack Monahan, US World War One Centennial Commission
- Screening of “The Soldier’s Journey”
"Living Memorial": A special introduction
November 10, 2018 - 5:00 p.m. - This is a unique FIRST LOOK at the sculpture design for the National WWI Memorial in Washington DC. A soldier's story is brought to life as the sculpture is revealed in a unique and special way using live actors.
Veterans Day: Salute to Military and Veterans
November 11, 2018 - 2:00 p.m. – The World War One Commission provides the opportunity to give long overdue recognition to America’s sons and daughters who served in the Great War, including the more than 204,000 Americans who returned home wounded and the 116,516 who never returned.
This day honors the veterans of World War I and all the conflicts that followed. This event reminds us of the service and sacrifice of military members and veterans will never be forgotten.
Program highlights:
- Screening of “The Soldier’s Journey”
- Speakers and dignitary attendees include: Commissioner Colonel Thomas Moe, USAF (Ret.), WWI Memorial architect Joe Weishaar, Katharina Hass, winner of National History Day San Diego, Outstanding Historical Performance, Daniel Wright (to join Katharina), “Who They Were” Program Presentation, British Bagpiper, Warrant Officer Class 2 Pipe Major Peter Macgregor, British Army,
- Theatrical performance by the Ebony Doughboys
- Performance by 369th Experience Band Concert
369th Experience Sunset Tattoo
November 11, 2018 - 4:00 p.m. – A special performance by the 369th Experience Band, a recreation of the 369th Regimental band, 65 African American and Puerto Rican men who brought jazz to Europe.
