90th Anniversary of the Battle of Cantigny
First Division Museum at Cantigny Park to celebrate anniversary of the first American victory of World War I with two special days.
Wheaton, Ill. May 28 and May 31, 2008
On May 28-31, 1918, the 28th Infantry Regiment of the First Infantry Division attacked and captured the French village of Cantigny, giving the United States Army its first victory of World War I and war-weary Allies confidence in the inexperienced and untested Yanks. To commemorate the battle the First Division Museum will hold special events on two days: May 28th, the anniversary of the attack, and May 31st, the anniversary of end of the battle.
Highlights of the day on Wednesday, May 28, include the dedication of a newly restored French 75mm Field Gun at 1 pm. Following the ceremony, cake and punch will be served in the lobby of the museum. Other events throughout the day include World War I re-enactors with displays of mortars and specialized tours of Cantigny Village and the World War I trench and bunker in the Main Exhibit Hall. The Historic Military Vehicle Collection will also be display in front of the museum.
On Saturday, May 31, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony in the courtyard of the First Division Museum at 2 pm. The day will again be filled with special programming. For the kids, there will be the popular “Dress Like a Soldier,” where children will be able to try on authentic uniforms from WWI and see some of the tools that would have been issued to the soldiers. Also, at various times, there will be pigeon demonstrations in the lobby and outside the museum. (Homing pigeons were used for communication in WWI.) World War I re-enactors will also be on hand to meet with the public. Again, there will be specialized tours of Cantigny Village and the World War I trench and bunker in the Main Exhibit Hall. The Historic Military Vehicle Collection will also be display in front of the museum and the newly dedicated French 75 mm Field Gun behind the museum.
There will be free parking and admission to the park and museums both days. For details visit the museum website at
www.FirstDivisionMuseum.org.
The Cantigny First Division Foundation promotes public learning about America’s military heritage and affairs, as well as honors and remembers the Big Red One—the famed 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. The foundation chronicles and preserves the Big Red One’s illustrious and courageous contributions, as well as conduct public outreach through the Cantigny First Division Museum, Robert R. McCormick Research Center, the Cantigny Military History Series and its monthly Date with History series. The First Division Museum is located on the grounds of Cantigny Park, in Wheaton, Illinois, the estate of Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune and a World War I veteran and a veteran of the Battle of Cantigny.