World War I veterans from almost every county in Southeast Missouri will be represented by pictures, letters, and other artifacts at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library honorary exhibit of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
According to the organizers, Poplar Bluff Municipal Library in partnership with the Poplar Bluff Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the John J. Pershing Medical Center, and many area veterans' organizations will exhibit a collection of WWI photos and artifacts until Nov. 30.
Library director, Sue Szostak said that the exhibit will showcase many artifacts about World War I most of which include Southeast Missouri natives.
"The library staff did immense research on the people of Southeast Missouri during the time of the Great War to find information and facts about those who joined the war effort." Szostak said. "We have found letters and artifacts ranging from the beginning of the war all the way to the creation of the Treaty of Versailles."
The organizers explained the great amount of artifacts they have found and were loaned to them for the purpose of this exhibit to show the community. These artifacts are wide-ranging from pictures, letters, clothing, and personal belongings.
The loaned World War I artifacts include dog tags, a letter from King George V, a uniform, helmet, combat training literature, Stars and Stripes articles and other items. National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution member, Barbara Vincent, created replicas of window service star banners that will hang in the library. Children from the library's story time made poppies for the displays and for distribution on Nov. 11.
"We have so many different interesting materials for the community to observe and appreciate." Collection Development and Technical Service Manager of the Poplar Bluff Library, Shon Griffin said. "There will be ship manifests on display with Southeast Missouri natives on the lists with their positions, ranks, and where exactly they were from."
World War I started in 1914 with the United States entering the war in April 1917.
"Our main purpose of the hard work we have done is to honor the veterans who served in the war and honor the veterans of every war." Griffin said. "We do also want people to learn about this war because it isn't talked about as much. Many people do not know much about World War I and we want to help people gain knowledge about the Great War."
In addition to this exhibit, the library is showing a Sunday matinee featuring a film about World War I at 2 p.m. on Oct. 21.
On Nov. 11, at 2 p.m., Dr. Patricia Hall, John J. Pershing Medical Center, leads a presentation describing World War I veterans' impact on the future of veterans and veterans' benefits. In addition, Lonny Thiele talks about Missouri mules and how mules contributed to the war effort. Vintage footage of horses and mules working to support heavily mechanized armament will be included.
For more information about the exhibit and movies, visit the library website at http://www.poplarbluff.org/worldwarone for updates, call 573-686-8639 or follow the library on Facebook.