Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I with the launch of a new World War I Centennial website. Additionally, a series of events will take place across the state at historic sites and museums in honor of the more than 500,000 New Yorkers who served during the war. Commemorative events will be held through Nov. 11, 2018—the centennial of the signing of the Armistice ending the War.
“We will forever remember the sacrifice of our U.S. Armed Forces, and the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who risked their lives to preserve the freedoms and ideals this state and nation were founded upon in WWI,” Cuomo said. “As we commemorate the centennial of WWI with the launch of this new website, I encourage everyone to honor our veterans and help us preserve the legacies of those who served.”
In remembrance of the 500,000 New Yorkers who served, and the 13,956 who lost their lives, Cuomo proclaimed April 6, 2017, a day to honor and remember the sacrifices made by New York State and New Yorkers in World War I. In addition, the 48-star flag from 1917 will be flown at the New York State Capitol in honor of veterans of WWI.
The website commemorates the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I, and provides information on WWI-related events and exhibits across the state. The website also features resources to explore the role New York and New Yorkers played in the war, and a digital tour of New York historic sites connected to the war.
Visitors can search through the Roll of Honor that includes more than 13,000 New Yorkers who died in the First World War, profiles of the 25 New Yorkers who were awarded the Medal of Honor—the nation’s highest military honor—and information on regiments that served.
On the website, New Yorkers are encouraged to share stories and photos of loved ones who served in the war, or submit an event that honors those who served. Visit www.ny.gov/WWI to learn more.
