Commemoration of the World War I Centennial
Theresa Dardanell
A solemn, respectful crowd gathered in Emmitsburg on Saturday, April 8, 2017, for the ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into World War I on April 6, 1917.
The event, sponsored by the Town of Emmitsburg, along with the Francis X Elder Post 121 American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6658, was held in front of the Doughboy statue in town. The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an opening prayer by Father John Holliday, and a welcome by Emmitsburg Mayor Donald Briggs. Commissioner Glenn Blanchard gave a brief history of the war and added a personal story about his own grandfather, who served in the war. The ceremony continued with the American Legion and VFW Color Guard and the laying of the wreath by the commanders of the Post.
The Doughboy statue was erected in 1927. Doughboy is the name of a World War I foot soldier. On the pedestal are the words, “This memorial erected and dedicated in honor of those from Emmitsburg district who served in the world war.” It includes the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice.
A solemn, respectful crowd gathered in Emmitsburg on Saturday, April 8, 2017, for the ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into World War I on April 6, 1917.
The event, sponsored by the Town of Emmitsburg, along with the Francis X Elder Post 121 American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6658, was held in front of the Doughboy statue in town. The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an opening prayer by Father John Holliday, and a welcome by Emmitsburg Mayor Donald Briggs. Commissioner Glenn Blanchard gave a brief history of the war and added a personal story about his own grandfather, who served in the war. The ceremony continued with the American Legion and VFW Color Guard and the laying of the wreath by the commanders of the Post.
The Doughboy statue was erected in 1927. Doughboy is the name of a World War I foot soldier. On the pedestal are the words, “This memorial erected and dedicated in honor of those from Emmitsburg district who served in the world war.” It includes the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice.