April 6, 2017 marks 100 years since the United States officially entered the First World War — igniting the journey for thousands of young men to the deadly trenches of Europe.
This hour, we learn about the soldiers and hear how Connecticut was one of just a few states with records that explained how some of these men viewed their service.
We also explore the role of segregated units in World War I. Have you heard of the Harlem Hellfighters? We learn about an Albany railway station porter who fought in this regiment and became a hero.
And we hear state residents share stories of their relatives who fought in the Great War — including a Guilford man who discovered letters from his great uncle — a Connecticut soldier killed on the last day of the war.
Do you know the stories of family members who fought in World War I?
GUESTS:
- Edward Gutiérrez - History Professor at Northeastern University, Hartford native, author of Doughboys on the Great War: How American Soldiers Viewed Their Military Experience
- Richard Slotkin - Professor Emeritus of English and American Studies at Wesleyan University, author of Lost Battalions: The Great War and the Crisis of American Nationality
- Louis Wilson - Command Sergeant Major Retired, New York Army National Guard
- Kendall Wiggin - Connecticut State Librarian
- Rick Maynard - Guilford resident, grand nephew of Connecticut World War I soldier
