WHEREAS, On April 6, 1917, the United States entered the “Great War” in Europe and, over the course of just 19 months, America lost nearly 117,000 brave souls in battle; and

WHEREAS, Of the 122,000 Californians who fought in what became the First World War—popularly referred to as World War I—3,329 never returned home, and eight received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the war; and

WHEREAS, The aftereffects of World War I, particularly the political boundaries created by the division of the Ottoman Empire that included the Middle East, shaped world history throughout the 20th century and continues to influence world events today; and

WHEREAS, The centennial of this historical event offers us a unique opportunity to recognize the people and events central to an experience that indelibly shaped the world we live in today, from ushering in a focus on women’s rights and civil rights, to the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, America’s role on the international stage, and even the current status of the Middle East, and to share this history with new generations; and

WHEREAS, The United States World War I Centennial Commission was created by an act of Congress in 2013 (Public Law 112-272) to plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. The commission is also working to generate interest and participation in each of the states in supporting this effort. Several states have already established temporary commemorative bodies or directed participation by existing historical entities for this purpose, including Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas. It is important that California join with the rest of the nation in commemorating and honoring this milestone in world history; and

WHEREAS, Publicly and vocally honoring those who served in World War I at this momentous anniversary will demonstrate that their service and sacrifice will be remembered 100 years from now; and

WHEREAS, The 100th anniversary of such a vital historical event is an ideal opportunity to educate Californians about an experience that, despite costing more American lives than the Vietnam War and the Korean War combined, is considered America’s Forgotten War; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the California World War One Centennial Task Force is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s involvement in the Great War, use the centennial as a timely and essential opportunity to educate the country’s citizens about causes, courses, and consequences of the war, and honor the heroism and sacrifice of those Americans who served; and

WHEREAS, August 5, 1917, marks a date of historical significance to the people of California. Although Californians already were serving in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces prior to the start of the war, August 5, 1917, is the date that draftees from California reported to camps for service. The 91st Division, which included two regiments of Californian draftees, was constituted on that day at Camp Lewis, Washington; now, therefore, be it