A Century Later, Remembering Georgia's Contributions To World War I

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Recruits receive instruction at Camp Gordon, Georgia, on March 4, 1918. / U.S. National Archives

The armistice declaring the end of World War I, on the "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918, was signed 100 years ago. Georgia contributed more than 100,000 men and women to the war effort, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia. During U.S. involvement in the war from 1917-1918, the state was also home to more training camps than any other state.

Georgia Humanities president Laura McCarty stopped by "On Second Thought" to talk about Georgians' contributions to the war effort and highlight some lesser known stories, including those of Moina Michael and Eugene Bullard. Michael, a former University of Georgia administrator, is credited with popularizing the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those lost in the war. Bullard, from Columbus, Georgia, was the first African-American fighter pilot. Serving in the French military, Bullard predated the Tuskegee Airmen by more than 20 years. "On Second Thought" host Virginia Prescott speaks with Georgia Humanities president Laura McCarty.