Tony Thurmond: “just across the street from the east front of the U.S. Capitol stands the Minute Man Memorial building, which houses the…”

“just across the street from the east front of the U.S. Capitol stands the Minute Man Memorial building, which houses the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, one of the most patriotic and self-sacrificing organizations in the Nation. This year marks the association's 75th anniversary, and its origins, history, and accomplishments are all well worth remembering. At the beginning of World War I, America found herself unprepared to enter the fight in Europe because we had an inadequate supply of trained military leaders for our Armed Forces. Confusion prevailed at the War Department while recruiters rushed to select, and the military hastened to train, an officer corps that would be large enough to lead 'Doughboys' and 'Devil Dogs' on the battlefields of France and Germany. Despite the lack of initial preparation, the United States' entry into World War I proved to be the decisive factor in securing victory against our enemies and bringing peace to the continent.”