Peters Township Public Library Program Aims for Understanding of "The Great War"

Last Updated on Friday, 01 August 2014 02:03

Marking the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I, the Peters Township Public Library will welcome author Todd DePastino to present 'Origins of the Great War, 1914' on Tuesday, August 12 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

The Great War, as it was known, is the seminal event of modern history because it unleashed the demons of the 20th century: Communism, Fascism, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. The war killed 10 million people, swept away four empires, and sparked revolutions from the western border of France to the Sea of Japan. Yet, precisely how and why it happened is still something of a mystery. An archduke gets murdered in Sarajevo on June 28, and six weeks later, the world is at war.

World War I is moving beyond our living memory and as the 100th Anniversary of The Great War approaches, we focus our efforts on understanding this global conflict that changed lives forever. Peters Township Public Library joins others across the world – nations, communities, libraries, and individuals - who will come together to mark, commemorate, and remember the lives of those who lived, fought, and died in the First World War. Come hear the story, and understand why, after a century, it haunts us still.

This program is hosted by Peters Township Public Library in partnership with Memorial Park Post 764 VFW. Light refreshments will follow the presentation.