To the Editor:

World War 1 began in 1914 in Europe, called the Great War.

The United States’ policy was one of non-intervention with no intention of getting involved in the war. However, German U-boats began sinking US merchant ships that were transporting supplies to England to support their war efforts. These attacks continued until April 6, 1917 when the US Congress declared war. The Selective Service Act was also enacted in 1917 and established the military draft. America mobilized over four million military men.

So a century ago, men from around the nation were being drafted and trained to go to Europe to fight the enemies of England and France. Every family was affected. Many from our area were sent off to war. Some did not return home alive. There were over 110,000 American deaths in the war and very many of them were from disease. There was a terrible flu epidemic that took the life of many soldiers.

Have you ever noticed the field cannon in front of the old Hertford County Courthouse? Beside it is a granite rock that honors the men of our county who died in WWI. Stop by and read it some time.

On one side it states, “1919 THE WORLD WAR 1918. ERECTED IN THE MEMORY OF HERTFORD COUNTY HEROES WHO FREELY GAVE THEIR ALL TO THE COUNTRY’S CALL. ERECTED BY THE SCHOOLS OF HERTFORD COUNTY.”

On the reverse side are six names:

MILLS THOMAS GREEN (Sergeant, US Army, Ahoskie, Brantley’s Grove, Died of Disease in 1919. Buried in Gates County.)

JOSEPH R. LAWRENCE (Como, US Army, Died of Disease)

PRESSE VAUGHAN (Murfreesboro, US Army, Died of Disease)

WALTER C. BEASLEY (Murfreesboro, US Army, Killed in Action)

JARVIS L. BRETT (Como, US Army, Killed in Action)

WILLIAM R. WILLIFORD, (Harrellsville, US Army, Sergeant Major, Died of        Disease)

The war ended on November 11, 1918 and that day was designated Armistice Day. Today we honor all veterans on this day as Veterans Day.

During the next two years America will honor all of those men and women who served in World War I as we recognize the 100th anniversary of the Great War. Let us remember and honor these six men who did not return to Hertford County to live in freedom that they fought and died for.

On this Veterans Day, November 11, let us remember that our nation was at war in Europe ninety-nine years ago, and not forget those men who fought and died for freedom. Many returned home victorious to be good citizens in our communities across America.

Johnnie Ray Farmer
Millennium