In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace: Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I

On April 6, 1917, the United States officially entered World War I, a war that changed the nation and the world forever. On April 6, 2017, thousands in attendance, as well as those watching video across the nation and around the world, will see the United States commemorate this turning point in our nation’s and the world’s history with the “In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace: Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I” ceremony, hosted by the United States World War One Centennial Commission at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.

This international ceremony will consist principally of the reading of passages from significant and representative American writings of a century ago about the U.S. decision to enter the war, including selections from speeches, journalism, literature, poetry, and performance of important music of the time. Invited American readers include the President of the United States. Certain Heads of State from other nations are invited to read passages reflecting the reaction of their respective nations to the U.S. entry into the war in 1917. “In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace” also will include flyovers by U.S. aircraft and Patrouille de France, as well as military bands, color guards, ceremonial units, and video productions. Students across the nation will participate in this historic event, learning how WWI changed the United States and the world.

Invited attendees include the President of the United States; Congressional leadership; Cabinet members; State governors; U.S. military leaders; veterans organizations, including those representing historic U.S. military units; descendants of significant American WWI figures; and other organizations, dignitaries, and VIPs. The Heads of State of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the United Kingdom are invited to be readers during the Ceremony. The Heads of State of all nations whose people were involved in WWI are invited to attend the ceremony.

About the Ceremony

The commemorative ceremony is a multi-media production illustrating America’s step by step decision to enter the war. A creative team led by artistic director Ed Bilous has adapted historic images and music of the period into a 90-minute mixture of live performance and film to be broadcast on giant screens at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

The colorful and awe-inspiring ceremony will also include commemorative flyovers by U.S. aircraft and Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air Force, as well as the U.S. First Infantry Division Band and Color Guard, Native American Color Guard, Army and Air Force legacy units that served during World War I, and special video presentations and musical performances from the World War l period.

The show features powerful musical moments under the direction of Michelle DiBucci, including the world premiere of two historic songs, a special appearance by members of the Kansas City Symphony and two US military bands. Notable performers participating in the event include Kevin Costner, solo R&B recording artists Billy Cliff and Lisa Fischer, baritone John Brancy with pianist Peter Dugan, and Kansas City Lyric Opera featured artist Samantha Gossard.