WOBURN - It has been ninety years since the end of World War I, when the maps of Europe and Asia were redrawn and the world was changed forever. Major hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when Germany signed the Armistice.

Now, we celebrate the anniversary of that signing as Veterans Day, which President Woodrow Wilson declared "To be dedicated to the cause of world peace..."

On Monday, November 10th, the Woburn Historical Society honors WW I Veterans with its latest film in the Veterans Oral History Series, "Woburn Over There - World War I." This moving and epic work showcases the role of the men and women of Woburn who served in The Great War in a fight against tyranny and injustice.

Prior to WWI, the United States had a small army. By the time it was over, more than four million men had been drafted and America was sending 10,000 new soldiers to France every day. It is no wonder that over 1,300 Woburn citizens were among them.

WWI was a global struggle that engulfed many nations. It was fought primarily on European soil, but the conflict extended to Africa, Asia and the Pacific. The battles took place on land, sea, and air. The resulting damage and loss of life were so terrible that it was called "The War to end all Wars."

The conflict saw the first use of lethal weapons as the machine gun, the tank and poison gas. Trench warfare was introduced, and the protracted battles that ensued caused devastating casualties on both sides. The unsanitary conditions found in the muddy trenches were responsible for many more.

Of the millions of men and women who served in this conflict, there are less than a handful of veterans alive in the entire world, and none from Woburn survive. Yet, the people who served were real. This film shares their fears, reveals their hopes, and gives us a glimpse of the colorful people behind the faded photographs and letters that remain. They deserve to be remembered and their stories deserve to be heard.

Eveeryone is invited to join the Historical Society in honoring these veterans, the sons and daughters of Woburn, whose bravery and service should not go unrecognized. The hour-long film will be shown on Monday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the John T. Flaherty Auditorium at Woburn Memorial High School. In addition to the film, there will be a collection of memorabilia on display. Admission is free and the doors open at 6:30 pm.