News & Events–Over There: Join the World War One Historical Association on its 2017 Pilgrimage to the American Battlefields of WW1, 3-11 June, 2017. Reserve Your Spot Today!

July 23, 2016 by Randy
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  Walking the battlefields of World War 1 brings history to life in a way that you can’t get from reading books, watching movies, or using modern technology such as Google Earth.  To follow in the footsteps of the American troops who went to war in 1917-18 is an unforgettable experience.  Whether you are retracing the steps of a relative or are just a student of military history, join the World War One Historical Association on its 2017 Pilgrimage to the American Battlefields of WW1. Continue reading →

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

July 16, 2016 by Randy
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The American Battle Monuments Commission’s first ABMC News Update, July 2016, contained an article describing the renovation work at the cemetery’s Visitor Center.  A brief synopsis follows.   Essentially, the first floor is being renovated to create three main interpretive rooms:  An entrance room, a campaign gallery and a commemorative gallery.   The entrance room “is being returned to its original design from the 1920s…  The original design of this room intentionally mimicked the look of a parlor in the attempt to create a welcoming Continue reading →

News and Events–Over There: The Western Front “Via Sacra” Walk, 22 June – 12 July, 2016

June 17, 2016 by Randy
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  The “Via Sacra” Walk is a 21-day walk along a large portion of the Western Front beginning on 22 June and ending on 12 July, 2016.  The walk is being organized by a team under the leadership of Sir Anthony Seldon, author of over 30 books on British history and other topics.   “Inspired by the story of an ancestor who was wounded on the Western Front in 1915, Anthony has always been interested in the history of the First World War…  The walk was first described Continue reading →

Then and Now: Whiskey and Soda of the Lafayette Escadrille (sort of) and the Redication of the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial, April 20, 2016

April 9, 2016 by Randy
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    Caption:  Then photo shows “Whiskey” and “Soda,” the two lion cub mascots of the Lafayette Escadrille.  The now photo shows “Whiskey” and “Soda,” the webmasters two cats when they were kittens.   Rededication of the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial, Wednesday April 20, 2016 This is a reminder that eleven days from now, the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette (near Paris) will be rededicated in a “Head-of-State” event.  Readers who find themselves in the area might want to attend in person. The rededication ceremony will Continue reading →

News and Events–Over There: German Cemetery Ceremonies in 2016

March 31, 2016 by Randy
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A recent letter from the German War Graves Association, www.volksbund.de, indicates that there are three upcoming cemetery ceremonies in France in 2016–two of which are situated in the Meuse-Argonne Region.   28 May, 2016:  Romagne-sous-Montfaucon There will be a ceremony to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Verdun on this date; and it will include an interment.  At present, the webmaster has no further details on the event.  Presumably it is part of the official commemoration ceremonies held in late May; so visitors can expect restricted access Continue reading →

News and Events–Over There: Rededication of the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial, Marnes-la-Coquette (near Paris), Wednesday, April 20, 2016

March 21, 2016 by Randy
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Background We forget today just what an impact World War One had on the lives of its participants and their families.  Even before the United States officially entered the war, hundreds of Americans flocked to Europe; mostly volunteering to fight on the Allied side.  Those volunteers who signed up with the French ended up in the French Foreign Legion, the American Field Service (Ambulance Corps) and the French Air Service.  Those who joined the Aéronautique Militaire were technically in the “Escadrille Lafayette,” a single squadron consisting of American pilots with Continue reading → Continue reading →

News and Events–Over There: 33rd Militaria Show, Les Islettes, Sunday 21 August, 2016

March 19, 2016 by Randy
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  The 33rd annual militaria show will be held at Les Islettes on Sunday, 21 August, 2016.  Location is the Salle de la SIBA and the entrance price is 2 Euros.  The show is open from 0800 to 1700 hours.   This is a major militaria show in Europe; and it attracts exhibitors and attendees from many countries.  It is well worth a visit, if readers happen to be touring the Meuse-Argonne in late August.  Be warned that parking can be a bit tight.   The webmaster Continue reading →

Travel Tips: New Luxury Hotel, Les Jardins du Mess, in Verdun now Taking Reservations

January 1, 2016 by Randy
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Readers Stefan Schweitzer and Christina Holstein report that Verdun’s new luxury hotel, Les Jardins du Mess, is now accepting reservations.  The hotel’s Facebook page advertises the property as a hotel, restaurant, bar, spa and arboretum (parc arboré).  A quick look at the website, http://www.lesjardinsdumess.fr/, and the room prices suggests that this will be a luxury hotel in the heart of Verdun.  As a reminder, the building was the former French officers’ quarters, situated right along the Meuse River.  Travelers looking for luxury reservations in the heart of Verdun should Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Historical Performance, “The Butte of Vauquois,” in early October, 2015

August 30, 2015 by Randy
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French historical association Les Amis de Vauquois, together with the Connaissance de la Meuse, is preparing a historical performance that will bring the Butte of Vauquois during 1915, to life.  The performance will include readings of diaries of both French and German participants, and paintings and soundscapes of the battle. Dates of the performance are Friday and Saturday 2-3 October and 9-10 October.  The performance begins at 8:00pm.     Ticket and reservation details can be seen in the above brochure.  Please note that reservations are Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Construction at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery to Affect Parking and Access to Visitor Center

August 30, 2015 by Randy
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The American Battle Monuments Commission announced this month that renovations to the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery Visitor Center will begin on 9 September.  This will impact parking and access to the visitor center.  However, the cemetery will remain open with normal operating hours; and access to the plot areas, the memorial building and the chapel will not be affected. Work is expected to be completed in late 2016–just before the Centennial Celebration of America’s involvement in the war. Continue reading →