Embedded Files
Memorial Program for West Virginia University Students and Staff Members Lost in World War I
Memorial Program for West Virginia University Students and Staff Members Lost in World War I
In the wake of World War One, the harrowing effects of bloodshed were eminent around the world: high casualty numbers, decimated economies, lack of raw materials, and severely traumatized soldiers. The latter’s sacrifice not only left them physically injured, but also mentally scarred. Thus, these soldiers and their service will not be forgotten. Memorials honoring the fallen soldiers can be found all over the world, including here at West Virginia University, to honor those who served and perished in the war.
The West Virginia University in World War I Collection preserves a majority of the WWI memorabilia, within a commemorative folder, inside the West Virginia and Regional History Center archives. It encompasses a plethora of documents, ranging from postcards to pictures to news articles. This reflection examines two documents from this collection: a program that was used for a small ceremony in March 1919, following the war’s end, and a letter written by Caporal Maurice E. Philips: a student who was drafted over the holidays yet was fortunate to receive a holiday box from WVU’s Extension program. Together, the program and Philip’s letter portray the war in a way that individuals can connect to. It puts the reality of a soldier in perspective and sheds light on a truly heartbreaking situation, but still reveals the truth of the situation. Revisiting preserved historical documents can restore the sorrow felt for those who died, yet also unveil what has been hidden at the same time.
One of the pieces was “Recessional” which is a poem by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling's poem discusses how God cannot be disregarded or deserted during such a catastrophic event. Specifically, the history of this poem is rooted in the British empire, which, according to Kipling, had abandoned God and relied only on technology (i.e., “iron shard”). The memorial service utilizes this poem to stress the importance of God despite the horrible yet ground-breaking uses of technology in the Great War. This religious emphasis can be seen again at the closing of the ceremony, which ended with a benediction—the bestowing of a blessing. The ceremony was largely centered around Christianity, even down to the wheat on the front cover (which has a religious significance).
In 1919, following the end of the war, West Virginia University decided to arrange an intimate ceremony in honor of those who attended the institution and died while serving. It was arranged mainly by the administration, including President, Frank B. Trotter and Dean, C.R. Jones, but other staff members also took part, such as C. B. Cannaday, John J. Cornwell, Samuel Chiles Mithcell, Grace Martin Snee, and other instructors. In preparation for the ceremony, the coordinators printed out programs containing the schedule for the attendees. Telegrams were also sent out to parents, informing them of the event and encouraging their attendance. The memorial was planned for March 6, 1919, at eight o’clock P.M and was a tribute to not only the current students, but also the alumni and ex-students who served and died in the war. These details were printed on the front page of the program, along with a depiction of wheat in the center, which they used as a symbol of life and resurrection.
On the inside left page, the schedule was printed. The ceremony commenced with the Star-Spangled Banner and then an invocation- a request for the presence of God during the ceremony. It was then followed by a Christian hymn (“Faith of our Fathers”), scripture reading, and prayer. The ceremony was heavily centered around religion as many felt that God helped the soldiers win the war. The University Choir then performed the song “These France Shall Keep.” After their performance, Frank B. Trotter, gave his address called the “The University and the War” and followed this with the reading of the honor roll, which listed the WVU affiliates, students, and alumni who died.
This list of names was found on the inside right-hand page of the program. Trotter also recited a few short eulogies in tribute to those who played a significant role on campus (such as Stephen Paul Hoskins who was an instructor at the university). The memorial continued with more addresses: Governor John. J Cornwell spoke regarding “The State and the War” and President Samuel Chiles Mitchell’s speech “Our Heroes Dead.” Each address was followed by music from the choir.
On December 23, 1917, Maurice E. Philip, a drafted college student, wrote a letter to the West Virginia University Extension Department. The letter opens with Philip thanking the Extension Department for sending him a Christmas box, containing food, a few days prior. He explains that he was aware he had friends back home, yet he was surprised, and delighted, to receive such an acknowledgment.
Philip wrote that receiving a variety of new food items is nothing short of a big deal, he wrote “You have no idea how much a man in the army appreciates such a gift.” He says while army life is overall interesting to him, it also tends to be very repetitive, so having some new items, especially food, is extremely refreshing. Philip then goes on to share that this is one of the few Christmases he has spent away from home, and he does not regret being away fighting, but rather, he regrets that he cannot be at WVU to finish out his senior year.
Furthermore, Philip explains that his division, "The Dixie Division,” may be sent to France soon, although nothing definite is known about their deployment. Philip had likely been writing from a YMCA camp as he had written his letter on YMCA stationery as evidenced by the YMCA stamp in the right corner. YMCA camps can also house many people, so it was likely that his division had stayed there as it was convenient. He hopes that the troop is sent because while there is lots to do at their current station, he feels a “primitive desire” to get into the “big scrap.”
He then says that he is currently positioned to work with the machine gun, and finds it remarkably interesting, despite the fact it is called the “suicide club.” He likes it much more than the regular infantry.
Philip then shares that recently, army life has been hard and grim, yet the letters he receives from friends and family back home, makes it much more livable. He then wraps up the letter by thanking the Extension Program again for the box and wishes them a very Merry Christmas. At the bottom, he signs his name, writes his division (M.S.Bn. Machine Gun Battalion), his company (Company D, 116), and his current location (Camp Wheeler, Georgia).
Through these documents, the current generation can better understand a part of history that does not directly affect them. World War One occurred over a hundred years ago and is still honored to this day, however, since the majority of people alive today were not then, it can be hard to truly visualize the war and its effects, especially among the younger individuals. While it can be initially difficult to grasp the bloodshed and damage WWI caused, reading these kinds of documents are eye-opening. I feel that it is easy to fall into the trap that we know everything since we memorize all the facts, but until these documents are read and we put ourselves in their shoes, we do not know as much as we think. Reading these allows us to develop a new level of respect and sympathy as we remember that these soldiers sacrificed everything for our freedom. Both documents reinforce this idea of tragedy and hardship, they do not display just enormous numbers, but real stories and meaning. And since the last war veterans died many years ago, the only sources society can rely on are the documents left behind. That is the reason all the memorabilia have been preserved, and the reason these artifacts ended up in the archives: so we do not forget those who gave everything for our freedom.
Another reason archives are preserved is because they reveal the truth and events that were once hidden. They can show society what actually took place hundreds and even thousands of years later. In many events in history, lies were told by major leaders and powerful countries, but having archives can prove the truth. Historians, librarians, and archivists keep these documents preserved to understand and make connections to current struggles. For example, in Philip’s letter, it is shocking to read that he is “excited” to go into battle. To the reader, this sounds absurd, but looking deeper into the history of WWI, it becomes clear that this soldier was likely influenced by military propaganda. At the time this letter was written, Philip was still stationed at a camp within the US, so it is possible that propaganda was still being administered to keep them “excited” about fighting. The war became a matter of “man was created to fight and kill”, and not about fighting for a purpose. While this letter is minor in retrospect, this is not always the case. Other major events or articles in history have been hidden from society, such as the concentration camps in World War Two.
Overall, visiting the WVRHC (West Virginia and Regional History Center) largely altered my perception of the war. Reading all the letters and postcards found in the memorial folder gave me a new perspective on local World War One history. I had never previously considered that the war could have impacted our small state, especially when the war was much more prevalent and violent in other countries. It is very surreal to realize that World War One has affected every person. It does not seem like war would have such a large effect on such a small state, yet the world we live in today has been greatly affected by the war and its gravity is greater than we realize. History is not something just in the past, it is all around us, it transcends time. The WVU students who fought stood on the same campus we stand on today. Many think that history is in the past, but it actually is not.
Visiting the WVRHC also made me realize that the archives are available so people can remember those who died and have the same realization I did. It is there so others can revisit the past, sympathize, and remember difficult truths. Our reality is shaped by our past and realizing this can build a stronger future. It can prevent past mistakes and previous corruption, which can lead to a more civilized society. It is crucial that others can gain a deeper understanding of war and its impact on society.
Works Cited
Mazzella, Diana. “WVU Magazine: The Soldiers of World War I.” WVU Magazine, November 29, 2018. Accessed November 4, 2022. https://magazine.wvu.edu/stories/2018/11/29/flashback-the-soldiers-of-world-war-i.
Fournier, Peter Fournier, and Catherine. "Wheat (a symbol of Life, and the Resurrection)". Domestic-Church.com. Accessed November 4, 2022. https://domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19980501/FRIDGE/WHEAT.HTM.
Kipling, Rudyard. “Recessional.” Poetry Foundation. Accessed November 8, 2022. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46780/recessional.
West Virginia University in World War I Collection, West Virginia and Regional History Center, Accessed November 8, 2022. https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/repositories/2/resources/2490.
Page updated
Report abuse