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