A Call to Action

Long-drawn-out battles, trenches and ‘no man’s land’ are hallmarks of World War I, also known as The Great War. It was the first military conflict fought on a global scale—a “war to end all wars.”  Initially the United States stayed out of war, but eventually joined in 1917.  

Over 80,000 Kansans joined the war effort. Join us as we follow the heroic men of Salina’s Company M as they train and fight in the war. From recruitment to deployment, learn about our Salina Doughboys involvement and how citizens rallied around and welcomed them home at the war’s end. 
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Look for dramatic readings of local newspaper clippings as well as quotes from two notable figures, Captain Roy Perkins of Company M and Colonel Charles H. Browne of the 137th infantry.

Company M at Camp Eagle Pass near the Mexican Border.

Introducing Company M

Company M started as a voluntary militia in the Civil War. It later evolved into a National Guard company. It was made up of students from Salina Normal University, Kansas Wesleyan University and Bethany College, as well as young men from Saline and Ottawa counties.
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Before its entry into WWI, Company M was deployed on two other missions. It’s soldiers fought in the Philippines in 1898 and on the Mexican border in 1916.

Join us as we follow Company M and their story in WWI.