I was recently lucky enough to make another trip across the Atlantic, spending 10 days in England & northern France. I dedicated a lot of my time there to my passion for World War I history; visiting battlefields and memorials and also attending the Great War Group's inaugural conference. Before the trip, I knew I … Continue reading Minnesotans of Aisne-Marne
Joseph C. Francois
I recently discovered another blood relative fought for the United States in the Great War! His story is quite remarkable and I was thrilled to discover it. He spent almost the entire duration of the American participation in the war in France and by the side of the man himself, General John. J. Pershing. We … Continue reading Joseph C. Francois
Laclede to Leavenworth
I’ve been daydreaming about a lot of places over the past 14 months. The fields of northern France (all the time), croissants in Paris (whenever coffee is brewing), finally visiting the Menin Gate in Ypes, Belgium (whenever hanging out virtually with my British friends at the Great War Group), and occasionally, a warm sandy beach … Continue reading Laclede to Leavenworth
Vimy Ridge & Arras: An Origin Story
I hope you all are keeping well out there in this mad, mad world. I have been suffering from the travel itch yet again, especially as I have come up on an anniversary of a fantastic trip to France I took in 2015. It has inspired me to share a bit about that trip, which … Continue reading Vimy Ridge & Arras: An Origin Story
Fast Facts About General Pershing
John J. Pershing is not a notable name in the American consciousness, unless you are a military historian or perhaps history enthusiast like myself. Although this wasn't always the case, names from the Second World War and Civil War for some reason have been retained more in the national memory than any from the First … Continue reading Fast Facts About General Pershing
Edward Kaluza
On the 102nd anniversary of his death, today I share the story of my great-great-uncle, Edward Kaluza. Undated photo of Edward It has taken us a couple years to uncover Edward's story. My father has done a lot of work on tracing our family history. In the summer of 2018, he was visiting some family … Continue reading Edward Kaluza
Bienvenue!
Hello and welcome to my blog! I have never done a thing like this before, but I’m giving it a shot. For those of you who know me well, which I’m guessing is most of you reading my first post, you likely know I’ve always had a range of interests – most of them in … Continue reading Bienvenue!
Over There & Back Again 