We were delighted to welcome the Charge d’Affairs of the U.S embassy, Lewis Lukens, and some of his team to The Poppy Factory last week to commemorate 100 years since the USA joined forces with Britain, France and Russia in WW1.
Lew Lukens met Poppy Factory staff, learned how to make wreaths and poppies, and about how The Poppy Factory helps hundreds of disabled veterans around the country back into work.
On April 6, 1917, the U.S. joined its allies–Britain, France, and Russia–to fight in World War I. Under the command of Major General John J. Pershing, more than 2 million U.S. soldiers fought on battlefields in France. Many Americans were not in favor of the U.S. entering the war and wanted to remain neutral. However, the U.S. eventually did enter the war.
The war brought about change in America. For example, women, many of whom had been active supporters of the war to preserve democracy, finally got the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
A special wreath, that celebrates the 100 years since the USA joined the 1st World War, was presented to Lew Lukens at the Factory. It was then displayed at a reception and opening of an exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery on 6th April which was the 100th anniversary of the USA entering WW1.
