News & Events Over There: Kickstarter Campaign, Dig Hill 80–Excavating an Endangered WW1 Battlefield

December 12, 2017 by Randy
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The primary subject of this website is the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of late 1918.  Periodically, other notable projects, websites and events are brought to the Webmaster’s attention.  Recently, he was made aware of a Kickstarter campaign to fund an archeological dig of a German strongpoint in the Ypres Salient, atop Hill 80 near Wijtschate, Belgium.  He believes this project is worthy of readers’ consideration.   Please view the details and video at this website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/451007212/hohe-80-project-whitesheet-2018/description     However, speed is of the essence!  It appears that Continue reading →

News & Events Over There–2018 Event Schedule in France

October 6, 2017 by Randy
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As 2018 draws near, the Webmaster is receiving numerous inquiries about the 2018 event schedule in France.  Here is a brief summary, based on what he knows so far:       American Battle Monuments Commemorative Events See his June 1, 2017 post:  http://meuse-argonne.com/?p=2288. Note also that the 11 November, 2017 commemoration will include a partial luminary event (1/4 of graves), but that a full luminary event is anticipated for 11 November, 2018     U.S. Presidential/Official Events The Webmaster has no knowledge of what Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Luminary Event at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, 11 November, 2017

September 28, 2017 by Randy
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    At 3:00pm CET On Saturday, 11 November, the American Battle Monuments Commission will be hosting a (partial) luminary event to mark the 99th anniversary of the end of World War 1.  As dusk falls at the cemetery, approximately 3,500 (or 25% of the) headstones will be lit with candles, creating a powerful image of light overpowering darkness.  Attendees will have the chance to walk through the cemetery and to learn the stories of fifteen Americans honored within the hallowed grounds.  All are invited Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Proposed Small-Group Battlefield Walk Series, 20-27 Sept., 2018

September 3, 2017 by Randy
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The Webmaster and German Associate, Markus Klauer, are proposing a Small-Group Battlefield Walk Series in the Meuse-Argonne and St. Mihiel Sectors from 20 – 27 September, 2018. Each day will feature a separate Army Corps; and each day will involve a morning intelligence briefing, a morning “monument tour” and an afternoon hike.  The afternoon portion is designed for individuals fit enough for moderate walking for five hours with rest breaks.  Distance travelled will likely be 8 km (about 5 miles); but it will include walking Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Proposed Centennial Dinner and Meet-and-Greet in France, 21 Sept., 2018

September 3, 2017 by Randy
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The Webmaster and German Associate, Markus Klauer, are proposing a Meuse-Argonne Centennial Dinner and Meet-and-Greet on Friday, 21 September, 2018 at the Hotel du Commerce in Aubréville, France. A cocktail hour will allow people to get to know each other a bit.  In addition, Markus will speak on “The German Side of the Meuse-Argonne” and the Webmaster will speak on “Bringing Sept. 26, 1918 to Life.” See the flyer below for more details. Centennial Dinner and Meet Draft Sept 3 The Webmaster welcomes any feedback Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Two Competitions to Encourage Today’s Youth. Get Your Children and Grandchildren Involved!

August 1, 2017 by Randy
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Finding ways to engage today’s youth in the Great War has been a major topic of historical organizations such as The Western Front Association and The World War One Historical Association.  The two competitions outlined below might just be one way to inspire one’s children or grandchildren to show a bit more interest in the topic:   Competition #1:  Poetry and Art At the Centennial Commemoration of Third Ypres in Zonnebeke the Webmaster met Lady Lucy French, great granddaughter of Sir John French, who is Continue reading →

News and Events–Over There: Spaces Still Available on the WW1 Historical Association’s June 2017 Pilgrimage, but Deadline Approaching

December 1, 2016 by Randy
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  Hello readers!  Space is still available on the World War 1 Historical Association’s June 2017 Pilgrimage to the Western Front, but the deadline for reserving your seat is December 31, 2016!  So don’t put off your decision-making too long; and please share this post with your friends who might be interested in the tour!!  Details can be found at this website:  http://ww1ha.org/2017-ww1-battlefield-pilgrimage/.     Tour Guide’s Skill Set This tour is being led by webmaster Randal Gaulke.  Many readers know that Randal has been travelling to Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery Visitor Center Update Number 2

November 19, 2016 by Randy
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This post is a follow-up to a post dated July 16, 2016.     The newly-renovated Visitors Center at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon opened up on Veterans Day 2016 and the webmaster had the chance to visit it during his recent visit.   As described in the July post, the first floor was being divided into three main interpretive rooms:  A 1920s-style entrance room, a campaign gallery and a commemorative gallery.  The entrance room was designed to look as it was in the Continue reading →

News and Events–Stateside and Over There: #CountdowntoVeteransDay, 2016 and Veterans Day Ceremonies at ABMC Cemeteries

October 23, 2016 by Randy
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    Just a reminder to join with the World War I Centennial Commission to make Veterans Day 2016 a “day-on” rather than a “day-off.”  The commission encourages citizens to volunteer with a veterans organization or to attend a commemoration ceremony.  A list of volunteer opportunities can be found at this link:  http://www.countdowntoveteransday.org/.     The Webmaster will be in France and will attend on of the ABMC Veterans Day Ceremonies in France  Dates and times for the ceremonies are shown below: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Continue reading →