Page 6 - KC Parks 2017 Year in Review

CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION

of the U.S. Entry into World War I

On April 6, 1917, the United States offi cially entered World War I, a war that changed the nation
and the world forever. On April 6, 2017, thousands in attendance, as well as those watching
video across the nation and around the world, joined the United States in commemorating
this historical turning point. This ceremony, “In Sacrifi ce for Liberty and Peace: Centennial
Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I”, was hosted by the United States World
War One Centennial Commission at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Penn
Valley Park.

This international ceremony consisted principally of the reading of passages from signifi cant
and representative American writings of a century ago about the U.S. decision to enter the
war. Selections included speeches, journalism, literature, poetry and performance of important
music of the time. Heads of State from eight nations read passages refl ecting the reaction of
their respective nations to the U.S. entry into the war in 1917. Historic images and music of the
period were adapted into a 90-minute mixture of live performance and fi lm broadcast on two
giant screens.

The colorful and awe-inspiring ceremony also included commemorative fl yovers by U.S. aircraft
and Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air Force.
Also supporting the event were the U.S. First Infantry Division Band and Color Guard, Native
American Color Guard, Army and Air Force legacy units that served during World War I.

6 2017 Year in Review • kcparks.org