WWI Centennial Commission Hosts Wreath Laying Ceremony

U.S. WWI CENTENNIAL COMMISSION HOSTS WREATH LAYING CEREMONY TO HONOR NEW YORK HEROES IN ADVANCE OF FLEET WEEK NEW YORK

Guests Included Representatives from U.S. Military, France and United Kingdom Consulates

The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission hosted a commemorative event at historic Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, where they honored heroes, who remain New Yorkers forever. The wreath laying ceremony was the largest military cemetery ceremony in the five boroughs of New York in over 100 years. Those honored included French soldiers buried at the National Cemetery - there are more French Soldiers buried in Brooklyn than anywhere else in the United States. Heroes honored included:

Marine Sergeant Major Dan Daly, World War I hero and Double Recipient of the Medal of Honor

Navy Coxswain John Cooper, Civil War hero and Double Recipient of the Medal of Honor

Twenty-One World War I-era sailors of the French Navy, who passed away in New York during the influenza pandemic in 1918

Three World War I-era sailors of the Royal British Navy, who also passed away in New York during the influenza pandemic in 1918

Featured guests for this commemoration included representatives from the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the Consulate of France, and the Consulate of the United Kingdom. Other special guests will include members of the New York City Mayor's Office of Veteran Affairs, the New York City World War I Centennial Committee, the United War Veterans Council, professional historians, and many others.

Also present was Daniel Loeb of Massapequa, the great-nephew of Marine Sergeant Major Dan Daly, who is a retired FDNY Captain.

Ceremonial Color Guards were provided by the Navy and Marine Corps Honor Guard in Washington D.C. Music was provided courtesy of the Navy Headquarters Ceremonial Band.

About the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission

The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission was created by Congress in 2013 to provide education programs, public outreach, and guidance for commemorative events regarding America's involvement in WWI, which many see as The War That Changed the World. Honorary Chairs include all five living former U.S. Presidents; the Honorable Madeleine Albright; and the Honorable Colin L. Powell, among others. The World War One Centennial Commission is creating the National WWI Memorial in Washington, DC through private donation. No public funds may be used. Visit ww1cc.org to learn more about the World War One Centennial Commission and its work; ww1cc.org/memorial for America's WWI Memorial in Washington DC, ww1cc.org/veteran

for veteran resources; connect with WWICC on Facebook.com/ww1centennial/; instagram.com /ww1cc/; and twitter.com/WW1CC (@WW1C).

Information about the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission involvement in Fleet Week New York can be found here: ww1cc.org/fleetweek

Contact: Seth Sylvan / Rubenstein Associates, Inc.

212-843-9259 / [email protected]