Editor:

The year 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the Great War commonly called World War One (WWI). Over 4 . million Americans served in uniform during WWI and more than 116,500 U.S. soldiers died from combat and disease and another 200,000 were wounded. Over 100,000 Virginians served with 4,000 dying from disease, combat, and training accidents.

Combat ceased Nov. 11, 1918, at “the eleventh hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.” Celebrating the end of war soon turned to somber remembrance of all who were lost and Armistice Day was first observed in the United States in 1919. It is still observed throughout the world and known as Remembrance Day in many countries. In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization in the Nation’s history and after American forces had fought in Korea, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars and is now known as Veterans Day.

The Piedmont Area Veterans Council in cooperation with VFW Post #7059 and American Legion Post #32 is pleased to sponsor David Hamon with the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, Saturday, September 15 from 2-4 p.m. at the Thomas Hardy Graham VFW Post #7059 located at 1616 Graham Road in Farmville.

Hamon will discuss the Commission’s activities and the status of the National WWI Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington D.C. Local groups and organizations will discuss planned activities in Farmville for November 11 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 1918 Armistice such as the ringing of bells for peace and the WW1 monument to be placed at Prince Edward Courthouse. The event is open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.

Note, the Farmville American Legion Post is officially “Jack Garland Post 32” named for John “Jack” Garland, a 19-year-old Farmville man who was killed in the WWI Meuse-Argonne Offensive Oct. 8, 1918.

Ed Dunn

Farmville