Bodies of War: World War I and the Politics of Commemoration in America, 1919-1933

by Lisa M. Budreau

Dissects the politics of commemoration of soldiers, veterans, and relatives from WWI

The United States lost thousands of troops during World War I, and the government gave next-of-kin a choice about what to do with their fallen loved ship them home for burial or leave them permanently in Europe, in makeshift graves that would be eventually transformed into cemeteries in France, Belgium, and England. World War I marked the first war in which the United States government and military took full responsibility for the identification, burial, and memorialization of those killed in battle, and as a result, the process of burying and remembering the dead became intensely political. The government and military attempted to create a patriotic consensus on the historical memory of World War I in which war dead were not only honored but used as a symbol to legitimize America’s participation in a war not fully supported by all citizens.

The saga of American soldiers killed in World War I and the efforts of the living to honor them is a neglected component of United States military history, and in this fascinating yet often macabre account, Lisa M. Budreau unpacks the politics and processes of the competing interest groups involved in the three core components of repatriation, remembrance, and return. She also describes how relatives of the fallen made pilgrimages to French battlefields, attended largely by American Legionnaires and the Gold Star Mothers, a group formed by mothers of sons killed in World War I, which exists to this day. Throughout, and with sensitivity to issues of race and gender, Bodies of War emphasizes the inherent tensions in the politics of memorialization and explores how those interests often conflicted with the needs of veterans and relatives.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

335 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Aiesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Budreau writes history for the layperson and the topic is so relevant to us today as we engage in multiple fronts. She sheds great light on the commemoration of our dead and the "myth of the fallen soldier" that we all shamefully buy into, effectively allowing our country to perpetually remain at war. EVERYONE would be well-served to read this book.

[Darleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially compelling but in the end rather redunant study of how the U.S. dealt with the war dead in and after WWI. The most provocative point I learned concerned the Gold Star mothers who sought the right and funding to take a pilgrimage to Europe to visit the graves of their loved ones. These pilgrimages took place 1930-33 at government expense.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will soon be speaking at a Blue Star Tea that honors Gold Star Mothers, and wanted to do some research on the history of the Gold Stars-- From the publisher: The United States lost thousands of troops during World War I, and the government gave next-of-kin a choice about what to do with their fallen loved ones: ship them home for burial or leave them permanently in Europe, in makeshift graves that would be eventually transformed into cemeteries in France, Belgium, and England. World War I marked the first war in which the United States government and military took full responsibility for the identification, burial, and memorialization of those killed in battle, and as a result, the process of burying and remembering the dead became intensely political. The government and military attempted to create a patriotic consensus on the historical memory of World War I in which war dead were not only honored but used as a symbol to legitimize America's participation in a war not fully supported by all citizens. The saga of American soldiers killed in World War I and the efforts of the living to honor them is a neglected component of United States military history, and in this fascinating yet often macabre account, Lisa M. Budreau unpacks the politics and processes of the competing interest groups involved in the three core components of commemoration: repatriation, remembrance, and return. She also describes how relatives of the fallen made pilgrimages to French battlefields, attended largely by American Legionnaires and the Gold Star Mothers, a group formed by mothers of sons killed in World War I, which exists to this day. Throughout, and with sensitivity to issues of race and gender, Bodies of War emphasizes the inherent tensions in the politics of memorialization and explores how those interests often conflicted with the needs of veterans and relatives.

[D D · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife and I traveled to France a few years ago to visit WWI battle fields where my grandfather served in the AEF. As part of our research we brought ABMC documents, knowing we would visit the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Montfaucon American Monument, and Montsec American Monument. (We also stumbled upon the Pennsylvania Monument at Varennes.) The cemeteries were impressive and somber. When we returned, I wanted to learn more about the history of the cemeteries and in my research found this book, Bodies of War.
My initial interest--and reason for purchasing it--was its explanation regarding the US government's offer to repatriate fallen soldiers or the alternative internment in the cemeteries. The description of the history of the Gold Star Mothers also was important. I was pleased that it covered issues of race, and helped explain the strong presence of Pennsylvania monuments in France.
Last year we returned with our son and went over much of the same ground, but also the Flanders Fields American Cemetery, Belleau Wood, and Chateau-Thierry Monument. The book helped inform our visit to these sites.

[MaryEllen Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating but difficult to read because of the subject matter. What did the US do with the bodies of soldiers killed in World War I? They had no prior experience with this on the scale of World War I. Next of kin were offered several choices including burial in Europe, bringing the bodies home for burial in Arlington or local cemeteries. It took many years to accomplish this. Includes shameful history of segregation as well. Interesting to me, as I recently visited the largest US Cemetery in Europe last week for a ceremony honoring my grandfather's two brothers, among others.

[Geicodave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed study of the way in which the US handled the bodies of the dead of WWI

This is a detailed study of how the US handled the bodies of WWI casualties. Interesting book but unless you have a deep interest in how war dead are commemorated and remembered you will find yourself skimming parts of it. Suffice it to say that the process of deciding what to do with the bodies was a messy one, fraught with political and personal conflicts, overlaid by grief, frustration and, in some cases, bitterness.

[C.E. Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book. It opened my eyes on so many issues important to commemoration. Thanks to the author for writing it. So glad this important history was documented. I guarantee you will learn so many interesting aspects of American history from this book. It tells you so much about a nation and its leaders how they commemorate the war dead.

[Rachel Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting thoughtful book. So many things I just didn’t know