Product Description

In 1917-1918, 4.5 million Americans served in World War One. Of that number only a handful remain. The "WWI Living History Project" honors the sacrifices and contributions of America's last surviving WWI veterans. Host Will Everett travelled the country in search of the men and women who made the world (in President Wilson's words) "safe for democracy." Twelve of these veterans, aged 105 to 115, share their reminiscences, humor and wit on a two-hour radio special hosted by award-winning CBS anchor Walter Cronkite. The program begins with a 20-minute introduction to the events of 1914-1917, narrated by Walter Cronkite. It explores the political circumstances that precipitated the outbreak of war, and the advances in communication, armaments and transportation which led to an acceleration of hostilities far beyond the known bounds of continental warfare in Europe. The war went quickly from the drawing-rooms of the European aristocracy to the trenches, where the armies of Europe became enmeshed in a conflict in which the prevailing military strategy was to relentlessly deplete the manpower of the opposing army. This first 28-minute background segment is articulated through a combination of scripted narrative, recordings of period speeches, and short first-person accounts read by professional voice talent. The subsequent 30-minute segment incorporates the first-person experiences of the 12 veterans as they pertain to the events of 1917-1918. The second hour of the program offers a more intimate portrait of the veterans themselves, their experiences and their attitudes toward the war some 90 years after the fact. The program concludes with an essay by Will Everett on insights gained from meeting America's oldest veterans. He shares their lessons for the contemporary age on longevity, history and the future. And he shares his feelings on the death of interview subjects during the period of program production.

Track Listing

1. Introduction
2. Causes and Consequences, 1914-1917
3. America Goes to War, 1917
4. Armistice and Aftermath, 1918
5. Closing Tribute
6. End Credits

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #436742 in Music
• Released on: 2007-01-10
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: Collector's Edition

Review
I had the privilege of composing the musical underscore for the Living History Project, so I must admit to some bias about this wonderful show. First what it is not: political propaganda. What is is: A unique, one of a kind offering, shining light on (sometimes quite intimate and outspoken) insights by a dozen centenarians, reminding us of the importance of history as a teacher, and, ultimately that wars are fought by human beings. World War One Living History Project is a well-paced docu-view (documentary/interview), featuring Walter Cronkite and some of the oldest living veterans on the planet (age 104 to 112) ... especially poignant, beacause this show is perhaps, for many of these old gentlemen, their last public audio record. Two vets have already passed on since they were interviewed. Everett does a masterful job of relating the interview material to the historical timeline in an understandable way for listeners. While it's appropriate for Veteran's day, it makes for fascinating listening any time of the year. --Chuck Wild, Composer

Review
WWI Living History parts 1 and 2 had excellent production quality and editing choices throughout. The coordination of talent, voices, and content made for a compelling piece. It was neither heavy-handed nor overly sentimental - superbly done. I found myself grateful that this work had been done, eager to listen again, and hopeful that more such examinations and quality recordings of "living history" would follow. --Lisa Bordner, Station Manager

Review
I appreciate pieces that honor those who went before us and performed sacrifices that helped to perserve our national heritage. This piece not only honors such individuals but presents information on the history of our involvement in the first major World War in a very easy-to-listen-to manner. The information presented here (with the kind of mental imagery that only radio can evoke) is essential, in my opinion -- information that every American should know. What I perhaps like most about this piece is the fact that the direct comments of the few surviving men who fought in WW1 are featured throughout the program. Narration -- who can top the American legend Walter Cronkite. This piece deserves a ten-star rating. Not only should every station carry this, but every American should want to listen to it. I have an interest in history and recognize the importance of this kind of material. I would ask the producers to see my private notes and to confer with me if you disagree with a humble suggestion you will find there. --Stephen Gilbreath, Public Radio Worldwide

Customer Reviews

Amazing glimpse of a fading era
This is a two-CD set based on the National Public Radio documentary that aired in November 2006. While hosted by Walter Cronkite, who offers a stirring historical overview on the first CD, the program is really the story of the last U.S. veterans of the first world war. And these guys are OLD, from 105 yr old Frank Buckles to 114 yr old (!) Moses Hardy. It should be noted that while 10 veterans are featrued on this CD, only 3 now remain. Order this piece of living history while these veterans are still alive! You won't be disappointed. Of note is producer Will Everett's essay at the end -- stirring and beautiful.

Fabulous Time Capsule of World War I
This CD set captures the history of World War I with excellent narrations and voice histories from the veterans themselves. With only a few WWI veterans left, this set is a capsule of a history through their eyes, one that is quickly fading. This is a wonderful set and it is highly recommended.

Excellent one of a kind historical CD
I heard this program on NPR, and bought this two CD set. It's just amazing to hear the recollections of all these vets, youngest is 104 I think! It's well organized and produced, Walter Cronkite narrates, along with the show's producer. To the best of my knowledge, it is a one of a kind project, a great gift item for schoolchildren or younger generations who may be less aware of World War I, it's causes, and the men and women who fought the battles. My Dad and I are both veterans, and we enjoyed listening to it.