Emmett Casciato, Curator and Founder of the Western North Carolina Military History Museum, will discuss the impact of the United States decision to enter WWI. He will take us back to April 6th, 1917, when Woodrow Wilson declared war on Imperial Germany.The presentation will feature new weapons used during WWI and those specifically used by the United States and England. The story of General Blackjack Pershing, how he earned his nickname, and the role of the AEF (American Expeditionary Force) 77th Division and the 42nd Division on the Western Front will be highlighted. As a special tribute to WWII Vets of Western North Carolina, Casciato will present a brand new book by Brevard resident, Janis Allen. It is an Honor Project of the WNC Military History Museum.
Casciato, a retired high school teacher and coach, began collecting and displaying artifacts, uniforms, medals, weaponry, photos, and personal accounts of brave service men and women in 2002. It had always been a dream of his to start a military museum, and when his daughter became a cadet at West Point, his dream accelerated! The WNC Military History Museum honors all branches of service, educates young and old alike about our countrys military past and present, and is dedicated to showcase and preserve our American heritage.
This program have been made possible through a collaboration of the Friends of the Library and the Transylvania Heritage Museum and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.