Maine Memory Network

"For Every Fighter A Woman Worker" Y.W.C.A. World War I poster, 1918

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1918 Media: Ink on paper

Prisoners of War in the farm field, Houlton, 1945

Contributed by: Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum Date: 1945 Location: Houlton Media: Photographic print

Great War and Armistice Day

In 1954, November 11 became known as Veterans Day, a time to honor American veterans of all wars. The holiday originated, however, as a way to memorialize the end of World War I, November 11, 1918, and to "perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations." Mainers were involved in World War I as soldiers, nurses, and workers on the homefront aiding the military effort.

World War I and the Maine Experience

With a long history of patriotism and service, Maine experienced the war in a truly distinct way. Its individual experiences tell the story of not only what it means to be an American, but what it means to be from Maine during the war to end all wars.

Cumberland & North Yarmouth - Brothers of the Civil War

"Enough farm workers left our communities to cause a great strain on those left behind during the war."

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - The Civil War/Reconstruction Era as Experienced in Biddeford & Saco - Page 14 of 17

"Layoffs were common for mill workers, many of which were forced to rely on the city's Poor Farm for Assistance program."

A Maine Family's story of being Prisoners of War in Manila
by Nicki Griffin

As a child, born after the war, I would hear these stories - glad they were finally written down

How the first chapter Veterans for Peace was founded in Maine
by Doug Rawlings

Veterans for Peace was founded in Maine and is now an international movement