World War One

Saturday in Kansas City sees the public opening of the National World War 1 Museum at Liberty Memorial. There's a bit of KCIF involvement in the opening ceremonies. Irish Fest director Pat O'Neill and Executive Director Keli O'Neill Wenzel have been busy this week organizing various grand opening events. Irish Fest director Ed Scanlon and his crew at Boelte Hall Litho printed much of the promotion material and signage, and I designed a few posters, signs and programs myself.

If you've forgotten any history you may have learned about what was called, unfortunately erroneously, "The War To End All Wars", I'd urge you to check out this great new addition to our city and attend the public ceremony beginning at 10:00 on Saturday. About 210,000 Irishmen served in the British forces during World War One and some 35,000 Irish died. And the British involvement in the war led directly to the timing of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, the rebels following the old nationalist adage that "England's extremity is Ireland's opportunity". FInd out more about that and the many other ways that this too often over looked conflict shaped and continues to shape subsequent events around the world at the National World War 1 Museum.

Details about the museum are to be found here .