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    Illinois National Guard Commemorates World War I 100th Anniversary

    SPRINGFIELD, IL, UNITED STATES

    03.25.2017

    Story by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt 

    139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

    There were several living history volunteers sworn in to service, recreating a muster that would have seen men of that era head to Europe soon after to fight the in the “war to end all wars.”
    Don Ferricks, of Springfield, Illinois, the volunteer coordinator for the museum, has been participating in historic military events for 40 years. Ferricks, retired member of the Illinois Air National Guard, said he is drawn to World War I because of the change in fighting tactics from past conflicts.
    “By the time the United States entered the war, all the fighting was basically done in the trenches,” said Ferricks. “Another new thing was gas warfare, which we hadn’t been involved in before so it was completely different.”
    Retired Maj. Gen. Randal Thomas, of Springfield, Illinois, a former Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, presided over and conducted the re-creation. Thomas said though that generation is gone, it is through events like these and because of the volunteers involved, that they are remembered.
    “I really appreciate these guys coming out. They have the expense of their uniforms and travel,” said Thomas. “That generation isn’t able to speak for themselves but it’s guys like this who allow us to hear them.”
    The event was open to the public and the museum made other efforts to highlight the Great War, including adding several World War I weapon and equipment displays throughout the building.
    Connie Hold of Braidwood, Illinois was in Springfield for a family trip and found the event by chance.
    “We stumbled across this and I’m glad we did,” said Holt. “The whole thing with all the uniforms was very interesting.”
    The World War I events will include a trench battle and a military reenactment at the museum in November.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.25.2017
    Date Posted: 03.29.2017 15:08
    Story ID: 228483
    Location: SPRINGFIELD, IL, US
    Hometown: BRAIDWOOD, IL, US
    Hometown: SPRINGFIELD, IL, US

    Web Views: 32
    Downloads: 0

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