World War I, also know as the 'Great War', and 'The War to End All Wars', was a global war. It took place mainly in Europe. Over 40 million lives were lost in this war. World War One started in July of 1914, and ended in November of 1918. The war was in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. There were two sides to this war, The Allied Powers and the Central Powers. Those countries that were part of the Allied Powers during World War I, were: France, the Russian Empire, Italy and the United States of America. The countries that were part of the Central Powers during World War One were: Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.

According to the 'Wood County Reporter' newspaper on November 14, 1918, "word was received in Grand Rapids stating that Lucas Boltwood died at a hospital in France, October 14th, of pneumonia. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Boltwood of Grand Rapids, Mich., and was married to Miss Marion Berkey of Grand Rapids, WI., in April of 1918."

Also according to the 'Daily Leader' on November 9, 1918, word was received about Pvt. Lucas Boltwood's death. "He is remembered by his wife Miss Marion Berkey. Pct. Boltwood belonged to the infantry."

Many of our young men of Wisconsin were in that war and lost their lives over seas. We need to remember those who were there and those who were related to those who died there. Nearly half of the soldiers that died in that war did not even have a proper burial because they did not make it back to where they were from. Lucas Boltwood was one of those young men who did not make it back home alive. He gave his life in service to his country in the 'Great War'.

Lucas Stoflet, Student
East Junior High, Wisconsin Rapids