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Author To Discuss Plainfield World War I Soldiers at Great Read Event

Learn more about local soldiers at author meet and greet.

Author Caron Stillmunkles will discuss the lives of several Plainfield residents who served during and after World War I at a special event presented as part of the 2014 Great Read community literacy program.

Stillmunkles will talk about her book, “Cease Firing…A Call to Duty” at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield. This event is free and open to the community.

The 2014 Great Read program is focusing on the continuing impact of the two World Wars, a century after WWI started and 69 years after the end of WWII.

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Plainfield-area community members are encouraged to read any books about the two World Wars and take part in the Great Read’s many fun, historical and educational programs dedicated to the two World Wars.

“Cease Firing…A Call to Duty” is the culmination of five years of research into the more than 300 soldiers – both men and women -- listed on the Plainfield Soldiers' Monument. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the April 24th program.

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These veterans served their country during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I.

At least three young men died during WWI, among the veterans whose names are engraved on the Plainfield Soldiers' Monument.

John Swackhamer was killed in action in France in 1918 and his remains are interred in the Meusse-Argonne Cemetery. As well, Clay McCauley and Varley Pennington succumbed to disease.

Two women also served:  May Morrissey and Esther Foster. Fortunately for history buffs, some of these soldiers were prolific letter writers. Many of those letters were reprinted in the Plainfield Enterprise newspaper and are included in Stillmunkles’ book.

The Great Read is proudly presented by the Plainfield School District 202; the Plainfield, Fountaindale, Joliet, Shorewood-Troy and Crest Hill public libraries; Joliet Junior College; Plainfield Township; the Troy School District and the Joliet Barnes and Noble store.

The Great Read is also supported by generous grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence, and additional funding from participating member organizations.

 


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