Atlanta Veterans Reflect on Legacy of World War I
By Gregory Kendall, Public Affairs Specialist
As countries prepare to mark the 110th anniversary of the start of World War I on July 28, a group of Atlanta VA Health Care System Veterans gathered to reflect on the war that was meant to end all wars—and why its legacy still resonates today.
“For soldiers of my generation, World War I can feel distant,” said Army Veteran Chris Johnson who served in Afghanistan. “But it was the foundation for everything that came after—modern warfare, the reshaping of nations, and even the creation of the VA. For those who served in the military, there’s a shared experience that connects us across generations.”
Carl Wright, a Marine Veteran who deployed to the Middle East, noted that while the technology and geography of war have changed, the human toll remains familiar. “Many of the soldiers who fought in World War I never returned home, but their sacrifices laid the groundwork for today’s military traditions and Veteran support systems.”
Air Force Veteran James Jones says the World War I anniversary is a reminder of both progress and unfinished work. “The start of that war began in 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, igniting a global conflict that would reshape the 20th century.” “Out of the devastation came the hope that we could prevent another world war,” Jones said. “We know that didn’t happen, but the effort to learn from it continues.”
The three Veterans see the anniversary not only as a moment to honor the fallen, but also as a call to remain vigilant about the causes and costs of war. “We can’t afford to forget,” they said. “Not just the battles, but what it cost and why it matters. “The moment we stop remembering is the moment we risk repeating.”