The new Vande Mataram in the USA section of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission web site looks at the experiences of Asian Indians in World War I America. Writer Suruchi Mohan will be exploring the intricacies of the great San Francisco trial of Indian Nationalists and Germans accused of violating the United States neutrality laws by conspiring on American soil with Germany to overthrow the British Raj. Her first article in the series lays out the backgound of the conspiracy charges led to the Hindu–German Conspiracy Trial—at the time the longest and most expensive trial ever held in the United States. The site will also feature profiles of Indians who served in the U.S.Armed Forces during WWI -- and there are some great stories to tell. Read how Suruchi got on this story in the first place, then check out the new Vande Mataram in the USA section here.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who served 36 years in the Marine Corps, including more than four years as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2011-2015). is now a Special Advisor to the United State World War I Centennial Commission. Writing in a guest editorial published in Military Times, Battaglia takes a look at how the experience of the Marine Corps in the Great War was the crucible that formed the Marines as we know them today; in particular, the epic battle at Belleau Wood. Read his entire historical analysis.

Manfred von Richthofen isn't exactly a household name, but his alias is. During World War One, von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, won 80 air combat victories, and he did so while flying biplanes. But why exactly were these two-winged planes (and in the Red Baron's case the three wings of the Fokker DR.I), the aerial weapons of choice during The Great War? This article digs into the topic, exploring the different types of planes flown during the war and the continual progression of these airplanes.

The WW1CC is thrilled to have a new volunteer member on board to help us! Betsy Anderson will be our Volunteer Coordinator, and will manage the contributions from our various friends, who help us with event planning, social media writing, photography, partnerships, administrative issues, etc. She is an amazing person, with a fascinating background, and she comes from a family who was deeply touched by World War I. Betsy took some time to tell us a little bit about her story. Do you have an interest in America in World War I, and some time available? Sign up here to be a volunteer for the World War One Centennial Commission. Going to college and looking for a great internship opportunity in Washington, DC? Look into the Commission intern program.

Georgia

World War I Changed Georgia

In this column, members of Georgia Humanities and their colleagues take turns discussing Georgia’s history and culture, and other topics that matter. Through different voices, we hear different stories.  This week, Tom Jackson, Georgia World War I Centennial Commission, and Laura McCarty, of Georgia Humanities, examine the changes World War I brought to Georgia and efforts across the state to commemorate the war. Read what they had to say.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania in the
First World War

The Pennsylvania section of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission web site has a tremendous page of Articles and Resources specifically focused on the experiences and contributions of Pennsylvania during Great War. Whatever kind of research you are doing that involves PA and WWI, this is a great place to start.

California

California Philanthropy Before the War

Though, in general, the western states were less motivated to get into the war than Americans in the east, there were many philanthropic efforts in California to help the victims of the war long before the U.S. declared war. One California magnate, whom had been orphaned at nine years of age, knew well what it was like to be without. But, he had early on made a success of himself and his name was known where he owned offices around the world. In August of 1914, when World War I broke out, Stanford graduate and mining success Herbert C. Hoover had a heart for the victims and orphans of the war, and turned philanthropist. Read the whole story of Hoover's good deeds here.

To mark next week's historical election in France, the post comes from blog curator, Jennifer Orth-Veillon, who discusses post-WWI French censorship of Film and literature that portrayed overly-negative images of the war.

The film, Paths of Glory, by Stanley Kubrick as well as  Gabriel Chevallier 's book, Fear, were considered threats to France's vision of patriotism and triumph after the Armistice of 1918.

Read the post in the WWrite blog

AND If YOU have a news item regarding WWI and writing, please contact the blog's currator: jennifer.orth-veillon@worldwar1centennial.org.

“They flew on a wing and a prayer, because they flew without parachutes." Metal Sign $14.95

We offer this metal sign this week to honor the recent passing of Javier Fernando Arango,  a board member emeritus of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and a globally recognized expert, collector, restorer and lover of WW1 aircraft. He was lost in California near his Paso Robles ranch doing what he loved the most. Honor his passing with this WW1 aviation remembrance.

Read more about him, his family and their multi-generational dedication to WW1 aviation here.

This and many other official commemorative products are available at the official merchandise shop.