Photo By Sgt. Elizabeth Jones | Bob Smith, Fort Riley museum director, talks with guest speaker Jonathan Casey, chief...... read more read more
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The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Military Relations Committee met in Manhattan Nov. 2 for a presentation by Jonathan Casey, chief archivist and Edward Jones Research Center manager of the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
As Veterans Day approaches, the committee gathered to listen to Casey talk about the early days during WWI when the “Big Red One” was formed.
Casey said it is a fulfilling part of his job to share rosters, unit information and artifacts with people that visit the museum. He likes to help them connect to the history of their relatives, he said.
“It’s amazing how much came out of WWI,” he said. “The conflict influenced the rest of the 20th century and holds connection to what is happening now in the world.”
Casey said remembering history is what teaches people about the world as it is now.
“The Big Red One creation and its role in the Great War from a hundred years ago is long standing,” said Janet Nichols, military community liaison for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “I thought it was a great tie in — to reflect on the division’s lineage as it is the 100th anniversary next year.”
The 1st Inf. Div. was constituted on May 24, 1917, in the Regular Army as Headquarters, 1st Expeditionary Division, according to the Society of the 1st Infantry Division website.
“The purpose of the MRC luncheon is for interaction between Manhattan and surrounding communities and our friends at Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division,” Nichols said.
The luncheons provide discussion, information sharing and resource exchange for attendees.
“I think the MRC luncheon is a great opportunity and easy venue for local community and Fort Riley leaders to become informed neighbors within the community,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Beyer, commander (rear), 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. “Often the local community wants to help support Soldiers at Fort Riley and, simply by getting to know each other, opens up communications.”
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2016 12:19 |
| Story ID: | 214259 |
| Location: | MANHATTAN, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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