On Wartime and Postwar Commemoration :: essays research papers fc

commemorative the actions of those who served in WorldWar I took many forms in its effort to ease the sufferingand losses inflicted by the fight. The creation of memorialsserved several purposes and with time, the meaningsassociated with them changed, as did the purposes withwhich they served. Support groups were formed to aidthose in need whose lives became radically changed by thewarfare, and in an effort to commemorate their service.Without aleving the pain completely, commemorationserved to ease the painful burden of guilt, sorrow, andresponsibility to those whose lives were now changedforever.World War I memorials gene call fell into three separatecategories based upon the time of their creation. The firstcase of memorials were those which were created in theyears preceding 1918. These memorials scattered thelandscape and were created and developed at thecommunity level. The erection of commemorativememorials to the war served as a consolidative symbol of thecommunity spir it and as a centerpiece with which to rallyaround. They also served as a physical statement againstthose who may passing play dissenting opinions as to thecommunities involvement in the war effort. The moral racyground was thus established in the symbolism of a uniteeffort. They also served to support the communitys braveyoung men who were off flake gallantly for the securityand preservation of its ideals and in essence the communityitself. local anesthetic memorials also served to inspire and motivatethose who labored in industry dedicate to the war effort.It created a sense of purpose and a realization that whatthey were work for had a larger meaning and purpose.Local war memorials also served asrallying points for the enlistment of soldiers. The statuesquesoldier brazenly dashing to war was accompanied withlistings of locals who had enlisted. This inspired evengreater enlistment while creating a public record of scorn tothose who chose to ignore their "duty." As the war act past a glorious moment and quickvictory, the memorials took on much of a role of a museum.The collection of combat memorabilia increased.Photographs, books, and art describing the war continued.Descriptions of the weapons of war and the style ofwarfare that was taking place on the cause lines wasrequested, however in order to preserve the dignity of thewar, a goodly deal of censorship was practiced. Accounts ofthe brutality were circulating back to the homefront throughletter and personal accounts of those who had returned.Government regulation of the memorials however,determined that in order to carry support for the warand to quell opposition to the countries war efforts, the