Veterans Day is an important moment for us to reflect on and cherish our family, friends and neighbors who answered the call to serve our country. This year is unique in that it marks the 100th anniversary of the first unit of American combat troops to arrive in France during World War I.

Not only did WWI drastically alter the face of global politics, but, for many young Americans, the war was their first exposure to the world outside their small communities. Shortly after our country’s declaration of war in April of 1917, young men from towns like Woodward, Oklahoma, shipped off to France wit...