USEUCOM's WWI Centennial
Per General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Commander, U.S. European Command and NATO
Supreme Allied Commander Europe:
The centennial of U.S. entry into World War I offers a historic opportunity to remember and honor the selfless service and sacrifice of all the Americans who came to Europe to fight for peace, liberty and stability in Europe. While the Great War raged on European soil from 1914-1917, U.S. leaders realized America's security was inextricably tied to European security. A hundred... read more
Per General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Commander, U.S. European Command and NATO
Supreme Allied Commander Europe:
The centennial of U.S. entry into World War I offers a historic opportunity to remember and honor the selfless service and sacrifice of all the Americans who came to Europe to fight for peace, liberty and stability in Europe. While the Great War raged on European soil from 1914-1917, U.S. leaders realized America's security was inextricably tied to European security. A hundred years later, we remain just as committed to our Allies and partners in the collective pursuit of unity and defense. As we commemorate the centennial of World War I this year and next year, the men and women of U.S. European command remain engaged, postured and ready to face today's complex and dynamic security environment.
During the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I, we commemorate America's sons and daughters who defended peace - many of them descendants of European immigrants who came to America seeking freedom, opportunity and a better life. Amidst the horrors of war, over 4 million Americans served in World War I and more than 100,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice.Today, the European and western ideals they fought and died for are being challenged in new ways. Although attrition warfare has been replaced by terrorism, state-sponsored aggression and malign influence, what hasn't changed is our commitment to strengthening trusted relationships, forging new ones and continuing to develop the capabilities required to meet these emerging challenges. U.S. European Command stands together with our NATO Allies and partners to ensure a Europe that is whole, free, prosperous and at peace.
In commemoration of 100 years since the United States entered World War I, let us reflect upon the generations of U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen stationed in Europe who have contributed to its collective defense and cooperative security. In 2017, as in 1917, we engage with our European Allies and partners to defend and deter. We owe the more than 116,000 Americans who lost their lives in World War I nothing less - tens of thousands who are buried in U.S. military cemeteries here in Europe, and those we continue to find. In the enduring words of General John Pershing: "Time will not dim the glory of their deeds." show less
