WWI centenary events

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One. The war officially began on July 28, 1914, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Serbia. Through 2018, nations throughout Europe are holding events, including battlefield tributes in Belgium and France, reenactments, remembrances at war cemeteries and museum exhibits. 

On Oct. 3, 2014, Belgian and Dutch armies will build a pontoon bridge across the River Scheldt, one of the last barriers the Allies had to cross to complete their victory over Germany. Musical and artistic performances will be held on the pontoons.

A Christmas event in Plougsteert, Belgium, will commemorate the 1914 Christmas Truce, when British and German forces, in an unauthorized cease-fire, left their trenches to exchange gifts of food and cigarettes and played a game of soccer. The Union of European Football Associations will be building a monument in that same field.

The United Kingdom and France have spent roughly €60 million each on memorials and activities. Germany, which lost 2.5 million lives and 13% of its territory, has spent €4.7 million and has no national events planned. Visit www.centenarynews.com and click on “Events.”