I had the pleasure of speaking to different groups in Kansas City this week about my book, “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.” When I was first contacted about the events, I was unsure that I could fit it into the schedule. That is when one of the hosts told me that one of the events would be held at the National World War I Museum. As a military history nut, that ended any doubt. I have wanted to visit the museum for years and could not resist the opportunity. It would turn out to be an overwhelming experience. Kansas City is a beautiful city filled with great food and wonderful people. However, if you come just for the museum, you would consider yourself well served. This is a unique space and captures the causes and costs of the Great War.The museum is located on a gorgeous stretch of land overlooking the city. It offers an enchanting view in the evening, as I found out on my trip in listening to “taps” at dusk.
The museum was opened in 1926 as the country’s official war memorial. It is an imposing structure designed by New York architect Harold Van Buren Magonigle in a classical Egyptian Revival style. There is a brutalist feel with sawed granite and limestone exterior.
Ar the groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 1921, the attendants included not only Vice President Calvin Coolidge, but also Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France and General of the Armies John J. Pershing of the United States. My grandfather, Ed Turley, fought under Pershing in World War I as part of the “Fighting Irish” division out of New York and New Jersey. He was wounded in combat. Also in attendance were Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Beatty of Great Britain, and General Armando Diaz of Italy.
On November 11, 1926, President Coolidge opened up the museum with Queen Marie of Romania. Coolidge declared that “the magnitude of this memorial, and the broad base of popular support on which it rests, can scarcely fail to excite national wonder and admiration.”
He was right. This museum and memorial still inspires anyone who visits.The displays are a delight for military history fans with a wide assortment of arms, helmets, and weaponry from the Great War.
It also has realistic recreations of trench warfare and living.
My favorite part is actually found in the lower level with a type of storage of items. (If I had one suggestion for the museum, it would be to add to the displays with material in storage and give closer access to the items on the lower level). However, the helmets, uniforms, and other items are extraordinary.
After my event, I was invited by the hosts to watch and listen to “taps” near the “Liberty Tower.” I am so happy that I did. It can only be described as magical. The rain had moved through the city and left a radiant dusk. Young ROTC students supplied the honor guard as a local man played taps.
This was followed by Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums, an award-winning group of musicians that offered a breathtaking performance as the sun set over the city. I have recorded a few of their songs.
I will leave you with these wonderful songs. However, I hope that you will find your way to Kansas City and this unique museum in our heartland. That favorite son of Kansas, Harry Truman once explained his philosophy as “Do your best, history will do the rest.”
Well, Kansas City is still doing its best and presenting the history of the Great War with an elegance and honesty that is a credit to our entire nation.
Thank you Professor for showing us this amazing memorial.
People are always so busy war museums are probably not on lists. Hopefully they are kept in good condition as well as monuments. Historical preservation is necessary as monuments were destroyed recently, regretfully.
History is always interesting.
Damm! I wish I had known you would bw here. Would have been honored to meet you.
I tried to post this earlier but it didn’t go through. Another excellent museum is this one:
https://www.nlbm.com/
It is in Kansas City and it the Negro League Baseball Museum.
From WWI to WWIII?
China is arming Iran by air using Boeing 747s for surreptitious military weapons transport.
China also might see an opportunity to invade Taiwan while American assets have been repositioned from the far east to the Middle East.
China isn’t a war nation. It’s population was 2 billion because there wasn’t war. Couple that with the huge wall visible from space leads one to think they like being left alone.
Meh, Biden could fix that in just four years.
-Oddball
Jonathan: Been there and done that. We have close friends in KC and visited the WW1 Memorial years ago. The displays are a sober reminder of the devastating costs of war. 116, 516 US soldiers died fighting that war. A total of 16 to 22 million died in the war. The death toll in WW2 was even more staggering–70 to 85 million people died in that war. Russia alone lost 50 million.
Now speaking of war DJT is in a pickle. He came to office the second time promising Americans he would not get the US involved in foreign wars. But since January Netanyahu has lobbied DJT to join together in attacking Iran. DJT has waffled. For months he has warned Iran of the dire consequences if it developed nuclear weapons but he did nothing. Then Netanyahu forced DJT’s hand by attacking Iran last week with a preemptive war. Netanyahu played DJT like a fiddle–forcing DJT to make a decision and provide the “bunker buster” bombs Israel needs.
DJT is between a rock and a hard place. The Steve Bannons and Tucker Carlsons of the MAGA right oppose a war with Iran. To join Israel’s war with Iran DJT would need a declaration of war from Congress. A few MAGA Republicans would vote for a war resolution–like Lindsay Graham. But DJT has been told that there is little support in Congress to support a war with Iran. That’s because there is no evidence Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons. In fact, earlier in the year Tulsi Gabbard, DJT’s Director of National Intelligence, told Congress that US intelligence estimates indicated Iran was not building nuclear weapons and had no intent to do so. On June 10 Gabbard amplified her concerns in a 3-minute video warning the “political elite and warmongers” are “carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers” and that the world is “on the brink of nuclear annihilation”. DJT was incensed by Gabbard’s position and accused her of going “off message”. “I don’t care what she said”, DJT responded. When DJT doesn’t listen to the advice of his own DNI you know we are living under a dictatorship. And the stakes in the Israel/Iran war couldn’t be higher. If DJT were to join Israel in the war that would lead to a wider war in the Middle East and a possible confrontation between the nuclear powers.
So what will DJT do? DJT doesn’t think about the long range consequences of his actions. He doesn’t think strategically. He only thinks about what will make him look good at any given moment. As DJT said this week in deciding whether to join Israel’s attacks on Iran: “I may do it, I may not do it…I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do”. That’s the problem. Most of his actions are impulsive because DJT is a sociopathic narcissist who who only listens to his own internal demons. And that’s not just our problem now but that of the rest of the world!
” DJT has waffled. ”
You don’t understand Trump. He didn’t waffle; he recalibrated the world stage. While you cling to handrails just to find your way, he walks the edge with purpose. You mistake mastery for confusion because you can’t see past your own limits.
“Now speaking of war DJT is in a pickle.”
Because you say so ?
We have a problem that was created by Democrats.
Obama fawned over Iran pretending he could be friendly and nothing bad would happen.
Trump delayed the inevitable by undoing the idiocy of Obama in his first term,
but Biden blew all that away.
I have no idea if th claims that Iran is days from a nuclear weapon are true.
But there is Zero doubt that they will get one before Trump’s 2nd term is up.
Because Democrats screwed up it was only a question of time before someone had to deal with this problem.
There is little evidence that Trump and Netanyahu conspired.
Trump infact Backed off from attacking Iran earlier – instead giving them time to negotiate an end to their nuclear program.
They failed to do so.
Most of the evidence is that Israel attacked on their own.
To the Extent the US has had any involvement it is only that we did not prevent Israel from doing this.
79% of independents and democrats agree that Iran must not get nulear weapons. 83% of republicans.
nearly all of those would prefer a dilomatic solution.
But all support military action if needed.
Iran is a threat to the world, they are not only almost a nuclear power, they also have the 4th largest number of ICBM’s in the world
It is only a matter of time before they will be able to threaten the US with nuclear weapons.
That is not happening – democrats and republicans agree.
” He came to office the second time promising Americans he would not get the US involved in foreign wars.”
No, he promised he would not use US military force outside of US interrests
Ukraine is NOT a US interest. Iran having Nukes is a threat to the US an the world.
No matter what happens here – there is no broken promise – unless he allows Iran to get Nukes.
“But since January Netanyahu has lobbied DJT to join together in attacking Iran. DJT has waffled. For months he has warned Iran of the dire consequences if it developed nuclear weapons but he did nothing.”
False, he gave Iran 60 days to come to an agreement that would end their nuclear program.
Most of the world hoped they would. Even now with Israel substantially degrading their military and nuclear capability,
Iran refuses to abandon their nuclear program.
“Then Netanyahu forced DJT’s hand by attacking Iran last week”
First you said that Trump onspired with Netnyahu
Now you say Netanyahu blindsided Trump.
Can you atleast be consistent in the same post.
“Netanyahu played DJT like a fiddle–forcing DJT to make a decision and provide the “bunker buster” bombs Israel needs.”
You really know nothing. Israel can not deliver the MOAP even if we gave it to them. There is only one airplane in the world that can deliver a MOAP – the B2. If it is used, it will be used by the US. It is possible that had Biden made them available to Israel that Israel would have found a way to drop one by now. But no one is waiting a year.
Israel has a much smaller “Bunker Buster” but it has thus far proved ineffective against Fordau.
I do not know what will happen. But I do know that only the US can put the final nail in Irans nuclear program by force today.
But many other possibilities exist.
There is small hope the iranian regime will collapse
It is possible that Israel could take out Fordau a different way.
Or the US B2’s from Diego Garcia could do it.
We will see.
“DJT is between a rock and a hard place.”
How so ?
Iran is not getting Nukes.
The only question is how the last bit of that task is accomplished.
“The Steve Bannons and Tucker Carlsons of the MAGA right oppose a war with Iran.”
Correct, but you seem under the delusion that a few differences of policy anobg republicans mean a civil war is impending.
I am glad for voices like Carlson and Bannon.
“To join Israel’s war with Iran DJT would need a declaration of war from Congress.”
Trump is not “joining a war”.
If neescary Trump will take out the nukes at Fordau. That is pretty much it.
We have no other critical interest.
There will be no US boots on the ground.
If it is necescary for the B2’s to go in – and we all hope it is not,
The next move is up to Iran.
Given that it is not certain the current regime will last long
That may be the end of it.
But should the shia fundimentalists remain in power,
and should they retailiate, then and only then Will the US respond.
But US forces are already prepared to so do if needed.
Unlike Biden in Afghanistan – we are prepared.
That does not mean things will go perfectly
“A few MAGA Republicans would vote for a war resolution–like Lindsay Graham.”
Correct, but it is highly unlikely there will be a War resolution.
“But DJT has been told that there is little support in Congress to support a war with Iran.”
Probably correct, there is also little support among americans for war with Iran.
But there is overwhelming support for ending Iran’s nuclear program.
That MIGHT not be possible without US force.
But it does not require a war.
“That’s because there is no evidence Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons.”
False. There is considerable debate regarding EXACTLY how close Iran is.
Days, weeks, Months possibly more than a year.
Netanyahu has been wrong before – those missing in those discussions is the MASSIVE effort Israel has gone to to hobble Iran’s program.
With certainty delaying it for almost a decade.
“In fact, earlier in the year Tulsi Gabbard, DJT’s Director of National Intelligence, told Congress that US intelligence estimates indicated Iran was not building nuclear weapons and had no intent to do so.”
Actually, what she said was that the Ayatolah had not authorized the last setup – which is assembling a bomb, and there were no indications RIGHT NOW that would change.
I do not know it Netanyahu is correct or Gabbard is,
But even if Gabbard is correct, all that means is that the day or reckoning is further in the future
“On June 10 Gabbard amplified her concerns in a 3-minute video warning the “political elite and warmongers” are “carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers” and that the world is “on the brink of nuclear annihilation”.”
Correct, and that includes those in the Biden administration who kept pushing Putin to the edge.
I would note that just a few months ago Trump put the “war Hawks” in their place too.
Graham is not president Gabbard is not president.
Trump is advised by MANY and they do not share the same views.
Trump has listened to all their advice and made decisions that are not controlled by any single group.
I suspect Gabbard is correct.
But it is also true that Iran was going to get Nukes before the end of Trump’s term, if not immediately.
Something had to be done.
Trump gave diplomacy a chance.
Even now Iran can end this by giving up their nuclear weapons program.
Hopefully they will.
” And the stakes in the Israel/Iran war couldn’t be higher.”
Of course they could – Iran could actually have a Nuke.
Thus far no nation in the mid-east is joining Iran against Israel.
Many are condeming israel publicly while aiding them privately.
Things could change, but so far there is no evidence this is going to widen.
” If DJT were to join Israel in the war that would lead to a wider war in the Middle East and a possible confrontation between the nuclear powers.”
China is not challenging the US over Iran, Russia is not challenging the US over Iran.
Unless Gabbard is wildly wrong and Netanyahu is a little wrong – Iran does not have a nuke YET.
The threat of a nuclear confrontation is if we do NOTHING now.
“So what will DJT do?”
My guess is he will wait a bit to see if the Regime collapses or agrees to give up their nukes.
If not he will eventually send in the B2s
Then we will have to see how Iran responds.
“DJT doesn’t think about the long range consequences of his actions. He doesn’t think strategically. He only thinks about what will make him look good at any given moment.”
This is absurdly stupid. The consequences of doing nothing are a nuclear iran – that is a long range consequence.
Delaying is a serious strategic problem. I am sure Trump would rather have had Biden continue to strangle Iran such that he would not face this problem.
Regardless Trump has made it clear – Iran will NOT become a nuclear power. There are dozens of excellent long and short range reasons that must not happen. Do you really need those spelled out
“As DJT said this week in deciding whether to join Israel’s attacks on Iran: “I may do it, I may not do it…I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do”. That’s the problem. Most of his actions are impulsive because DJT is a sociopathic narcissist who who only listens to his own internal demons. And that’s not just our problem now but that of the rest of the world!”
Trump is actually highly predictable.
Iran will not get Nukes.
It that can not be done without sending B2’s that will be done.
The unpredictability is cultivated. It strenghtens his hand in negotiations.
“ Regardless Trump has made it clear – Iran will NOT become a nuclear power. There are dozens of excellent long and short range reasons that must not happen. Do you really need those spelled out”
Iran has every right to become a nuclear power if it chooses to. The fear that they will use a nuclear weapon against Israel is ludicrous. We have said the same thing about North Korea and they have had nuclear capabiity for years now. The U.S. is using the excuse of nuclear Iran to force a regime change thru force rather than let it happen on its own.
The reason for preventing Iran from even obtaining nuclear capability because once Iran achieves it it will be impossible to topple Iran’s government. There is absolutely no reason to join Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran. Israel brought this war upon itself let Israel deal with the consequences by itself. Trump is too stupid to understand the consequences of joining Israel into another “regime change” war. Haven’t we learned our lessons from Iraq, and Afghanistan? China could join the fray to protect it’s cheap oil supply.
Trump is a moron and narcissist of massive proportions and ingaging in a war with Iran will spell serious trouble for Republicans in the midterms and almost absolutely certain give Democrats the majority in Congress. Israel is the agressor in this conflict and it’s already losing the propaganda advantage of being the “vicitm”.
“Iran has every right to become a nuclear power if it chooses to.”
A bloody dictatorship and the world’s greatest state sponsor of terrorism has the “right” to nuclear weapons?!
The Left has a bottomless ability to support and apologize for evil.
“That’s because there is no evidence Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons.”
False. There is considerable debate regarding EXACTLY how close Iran is.
Days, weeks, Months possibly more than a year.“
There is no evidence. This is just another “Iraq has WMD’s” all over again.
Bibi has been saying Iran is close to making a weapons for nearly 30 years. Its’ BS and everyone knows it. Iran abandoned its Nuclear weapons program in 2003 when Obama made the the Iran deal. Until Trump unilaterally decided to abandon it and betrayed the Iranians trust he made things worse not better because he’s a moron.
Iran has every right to civilian nuclear power like every nation that has that cabability. The only reason why Israel doesn’t want iran to have a nuclear weapon is because once it does it will be impossible to attack Iran and goad the U.S. into forcing “regime change”. Pakistan has nuclear weapons. North Korea has nuclear weapons. We don’t mess with them and threaten regime change because of it. Ukraine gave up its’ nuclear weapons and it got attacked by Russia. If it kept it’s nuclear cabability Russia would have never attacked it in the first place. Iran has never attacked a nation. Isreal has and it’s always been the agressor.
“There is no evidence.”
BS.
The recent IAEA report shows more than enough evidence — for those with two eyes.
“Iran has never attacked a nation.”
That is the most delusional statement I’ve ever seen a Leftist make.
“. . . there is no evidence Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons.”
There are small-time lies that cause small-time harm: “I didn’t eat that cookie; Susie did.”
Then there are big-time lies with the potential to cause nuclear armageddon in the Middle East. And that is your lie.
The recent IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program states the actual situation in Iran, and exposes your lies.
I remember reading that half of our WW I dead died from Spanish flu, and not from a bullet. Does your number include all our military dead, or just those who died in combat?
S. Meyer calls you out best, Anonymous from the Darkside.. your ‘handrails’ allow you jut enought latitude to write a fool’s fanstasy…
We have been there and it is a great museum. Family that lives in KC still haven’t been!
The WWI museum is one of, if not the, best military museums in the world. Ive been to all of the US museums and the prominent European ones, and this is a must-see
*. Professor Turley says the uniforms could use some attention? That could be a good Masters project for a history major? Historical catalogs and preservation of historical artifacts, display, would require some Art classes in museum techniques.
As a kid, we went to Cantigny, the estate of the late Col. McCormick, long-time publisher of the Chicago Tribune, named for a battle in France. There was a WW I exhibit, featuring a trench and a dugout. Pretty cool when you’re 8 or 9. Anachronistically, there were half-tracks and even a DUKW to climb on to.
McCormick had been an officer in the Illinois National Guard, activated when Pancho Villa invaded New Mexico. And later he led an artillery battalion in France. At the same time he set up the Paris edition of the Chicago Tribune, which eventually merged with the Paris edition of the New York Herald to become the New York Herald Tribune.
The exhibit is now a museum covering the history of the First Infantry Division.
OT
Just give Israel the “bunker buster.”
Israel should have been bombing a “pilot hole” in Fordo from the outset.
AN
The don’t have that type of bomber to do it
oops They (Israel) doesn’t have that type of bomber
Trump is down with using an American B2 to deliver it, barring a last minute capitulation by the ayatollah. He’s waiting to give them one last chance to abandon their quest for the a-bomb. Id doubt they will do that.