Last month Wood County declared April 6, 2017, as World War I (Great War) Remembrance Day.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ declaration of war against Imperial Germany and our country’s entry into WW I.

In February the Wood County judge and commissioners approved and signed a proclamation recognizing that date. The proclamation states that men and women from Wood County had served with distinction in the Armed Forces for the Great War and the wars to follow, and they continue to serve in defense of “our freedoms in the Wars against Terrorism,” and it states “many residents of Wood County served during the First World War and some lost their lives during the War.”

The proclamation encourages “all citizens to remember and commemorate America’s entry into the Great War and the great sacrifices that awaited its citizens 100 years ago.”

The Wood County Historical Commission is joining with the county officials to ask that citizens and organizations honor those who served. The commission has a list of suggested activities.

“We hope you will participate,” the commission states, and inform the public of the celebration by contacting a local newspaper, by email or the internet. The commission chairman, Lou Mallory, can be contacted at gmallory1@suddenlink.net. Mallory also said that if anyone has photographs of anyone who served, “the historical commission would love to have them so that they are not lost and can be shared with others.”