Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of United States entry into World War I continues by exploring a telegram that changed history.
"The Zimmermann Telegram" is the topic of the next lecture at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the Community Room of the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. Army Sustainment Command historian George Eaton will speak about the historical implications of the January 1917 coded telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann. The message proposed a military alliance with Mexico and the possible transfer of US territory.
The lecture is free of charge and does not require registration. The Rock Island Library's "Over There: A Look at the War to End All Wars" series will continue on the second Wednesday of every other month through November 2018 at the Downtown Library. Future dates and topics concerning the United States involvement in World War I include:
· November 8, at 2:00 pm: Mobilization and Training of the US Army
· January 10, 2018, at 6:00 pm, The Rock Island Arsenal during WW1
· March 14, 2:00 pm: Trench Warfare
· May 9, 6:00 pm, Gas Attacks
· July 11, 2:00 pm: Battles of St. Cantigny/St. Mihiel
· Sept. 12, 6:00 pm: Battle of the Meuse-Argonne
· Nov. 14, 2:00 pm: Armistice, Russian Expedition, and Occupation of Germany
History lovers should also mark their calendars for a Sept. 28 event presented by the Rock Island Public Library. A Walking Tour of Chippiannock Cemetery will be offered at 5:00 pm on Thursday, Sept. 28 by cemetery superintendent Greg Vogele. The free tour at the cemetery, 2901 12th Street, will focus on the historic monuments, notable people, and scenery of the cemetery. Registration is required. To sign up, call 309-732-7343 or register via the online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org.
For more information about Rock Island Library hours, services and programs, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.
