R.I.P. Major Irwin F. Williger

 The centenarian participant in the national Veterans History Project at the Niles Public Library passed away on March 3, 2015. The interview of this American hero and member of the Greatest Generation can be read and heard via the Niles Library website.

 His death notice can be read at the link below.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=irwin-williger&pid=174345027

Dr. Irwin Williger, a surgeon fascinated with needlepoint, dies at 101 entitled the  appreciative obituary  written by Joan Giangrasse Kates which appeared in the March 19, 2015 issue of the Chicago Tribune.

Happy St Patrick's Day and a Salute to the Fighting 69th from Ward's Irish Music Archives

Famed in film and song for their martial exploits during World War I, the 69th and its Irish Brigade is said to have received its nickname from General Robert E. Lee during the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862, and would earn eternal glory at the Battle of Fredericksburg  that December. The proud New York regiment has seen action in five wars and its members have earned 7 Medals of Honor.

"Courtesy of the  Irish Fest Collection, Ward Irish Music Archives, Milwaukee Irish Fest".

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The Ward Irish Music Archives are located at 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53213-2623
Phone: (414) 476-8999
archives@irishfest.com

Chicago and the First World War, Library Program, Sunday, March 22, 2pm

Dr. Diane Dillon, co-curator and director of the recent Newberry Library exhibition, Chicago, Europe and the Great War,  will present an illustrated lecture in the first floor auditorium of the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. in Niles, Illinois. Noting that March is Women's History Month, Dr. Dillon will also touch on the role of women in her presentation as she references the other recent companion  exhibition at the Newberry  American Women Rebuilding France, 1917-1924.  Dr. Dillon currently serves as theInterim Vice President for Research and Academic Program. 

London Statue of Edith Cavell, World War I Heroine

Honoring the English nurse slain in Belgium, this statue stands just up from the apron of St. Martin's-in-the Fields Church at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square. Her message to humanity reads," Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards any one."  Miss Cavell is profiled in Kathryn Atwood's book, Women Heroes of World War I.

Women Heroes of World War I March 11, 7pm Niles Library Program

 

Chicago area author Kathryn Atwood returns to the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., for a Women's History Month Program on Wednesday, March 11, at 7 pm to discuss her new book, Women Heroes of World War I: 16 remarkable resisters, soldiers, spies and medics, in a 50-minute slide-lecture, presented in the first floor meeting room.