Issue 07 Preview – Visit – The National World War I Museum Peter Suciu Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Remembering the Great War The National World War I Museum Features Turn-of-the-Century Firearms and an Arsenal of Historical Knowledge George Santayana’s aphorism is often cited because it holds much truth: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” That’s why the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, stands as a beacon of freedom and is committed to inspiring public involvement and informed decision making among present and future generations — lest we forget the sacrifice and courage of those who served in WWI. The United States’ entry into the First World War in April of 1917 helped change the tide for the Allies and ensured the defeat of Germany and the Central Powers. While no one American city can claim to have played a greater role in the war than any other, Kansas City was chosen to be the site of the Liberty Memorial, which was dedicated in 1921. The dedication event was attended by military leaders of the five main Allied nations — marking the first time these five were ever together in one place: Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium, Admiral Earl Beatty of Great Britain, Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France, General Armando Diaz of Italy, and General John Pershing of the United States. Construction of the Liberty Memorial was completed less than five years later, and it officially opened on November 11, 1926 — eight years after the guns fell silent. That could have been the end of the story, and while the impressive 217-foot-tall structure lights the night sky, it was long felt that more could, and dare should, be done to remember those WWI veterans. Over the years came calls for a World War I museum, and at the same time the memorial faced the ravages of age. In 2004, the dream of a museum actually became a reality. That year saw two major milestones: The passage of a $20-million bond initiative to fund the construction of a new museum; and former President George W. Bush’s signing into law a bill that designated the Liberty Memorial as the National World War I Museum, officially designated by the 108th Congress. In 2006, the same year that the museum opened to the public, the site was deemed a national historic landmark. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 7 Explore RECOILweb:SHARE Act UpdateSIG Sauer GmbH Shutters It’s German DoorsFull Metal Boba Fett - 'Born to Kill' Morale PatchesOutdoor Research: Gloves For Stone Cold Operators NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.