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Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs

Nebraska World War I Commemoration

The Great War

1914 - 1918

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Welcome to Nebraska’s World War One Commemoration Website

 

Word War I was known as the “Great War” and the “War to end all wars”. Nine million soldiers lost their lives and 21 million more were wounded. The unprecedented carnage saw the first use of chemical warfare, flame throwers, tanks, and fleets of combat aircraft. It also saw the introduction of the use of X ray machines, blood banks, and guide dogs. The war changed the world and also changed Nebraska.
 
On this one hundredth anniversary commemoration of World War I we invite all Nebraskans to learn about the contributions of the men and women of our state and the events that transpired that changed our state forever. A century has passed since the First World War, but shadows of the war remain: such as Offutt Air Force Base, named after an Omahan who was killed in France, and Memorial Stadium of the University of Nebraska, dedicated to all who gave their lives in the Great War, including Roscoe “Dusty” Rhodes, the Captain-elect of the Nebraska football team of 1918, who also died in France.
 
We hope you find this site educational, meaningful, and that it leaves you with an appreciation of those Nebraskans who answered their country’s call. Whether they served on the “home front” or indeed went “Over There,” Nebraska and its people played an important role in securing ultimate victory and establishing the United States as a world power.

 

John Hilgert, Director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs

 

 

 

 

Nebraska World War I Facts

Eddie Rickenbacker on plane

Rickenbacher receives Ovation in Omaha

Plattsmouth Journal, May 22, 1919

Downing Germans easy task for Famous Automobile Racer. Tells of Arial Warfare. Ace of Aces, Who Fought Many Air Battles in War, Details Experience Last Night.

Last night at this municipal...

Fort McPherson graves

Soldiers of the Great War

According to Soldiers of the Great War, Memorial Edition, 355 Nebraskans lost their lives in combat, 255 died of disease, 17 wounded and 30 were lost to accidents.  

Lowering the stone into place at the cornerstone ceremony of the third Nebraska State Capitol on November 11, 1922.

The Effort to help WWI Veterans Continues Today

Shortly after World War I, a group of ex-servicemen were discussing what the State might for the returning veterans.  Dwight Griswold, then a member of the State Legislature (later Governor and United States Senator) suggested that a fund be...

Antioch state historical marker

Antioch Potash Boom-Town

For a few years, the Antioch vicinity was one of the most important potash-producing regions in the nation. Antioch grew from a small village to a town of about 2,000. When the First World War broke out, the United States was cut off from...

Nebraska World War I Audio Files

Nebraska World War I Photo Gallery

Nebraska World War 1 Commemoration