In 1914 war broke out in Europe but the
United States remained neutral. After Germany
sank several American Merchant ships and
a British ship carrying American passengers, it
was time for America to act! In April, 1917,
President Wilson asked congress to declare
war on Germany.

U.S. Torpedo boat "Parker"

British Medal

This Medal was made to commemorate the American
entry in WWI.

The British Fleet on it's way!

The Red Cross girls were there!

Also..

The Salvation Army girls!

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The Hoover Family was in Europe at this time.

Thousands of American tourist were stranded in
Europe when the war broke out. They poured into
London, trying to get home. Herbert and Lou Hoover
came to their rescue. They set up a committee to
organize places for the Americans to stay and to
loan them money. The committee took care of 120,000
Americans and paid out more than 1.5 million
dollars in loans. All but $300.00 was paid back!

Hoover's achievements led to an invitation from
the U.S.Ambassador to Britain, to head up a mission
to feed the people of Belgium.

Belgians fleeing into Holland!

German soldiers had marched through Belgium on
their way to France and Belgium's food supply was
quickly exhausted. Millions of Belgians were
starving. Hoover answered the call for help and
launched the Commission for Relief in Belgium.

For the next three years Hoover and his
commission performed miracles. They organized
millions of tons of food to send to Belgium and
northern France. They persuaded both sides to let
their supply ships through the blockades.
Huge amounts of flour packed in cloth bags were
distributed by ships and canal boats.

To thank the Hoovers for their help, Belgian
citizens embroidered flour sacks for them.
This one was on display in the archives of the
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library.

The sacks were carefully counted and given to
Belgian schools and sewing workrooms, where the
girls were learning to embroider and make lace.
They were also used to make clothing, pillows, etc.

Belgian clothing supply depot.

Herbert Hoover and his commission succeeded in
feeding an entire nation. During the time he
headed the Commission, Hoover accepted no salary or
money for travel expense.

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Quote by Hoover.."Older men declare war, but it
is the youth that must fight and die. It is the
youth who must inherit the tribulation, the sorrow
and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war."

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