More than 1,000 Mainers died in World War I, which began 100 years ago. 

Not only did they serve in three branches of service — the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines — they also fought in Canadian military units.

Here in Maine, we were vigilant against possible German attacks. Troops manned artillery guns along the coast. Locally, recruits gathered, and we were suspicious of people with German ancestry.

Tomorrow, in Sunday’s paper, we explore Maine’s role in The Great War as well as the war’s remaining vestiges here. 

We also will post the story online with additional images and videos that will give Maine historians a chance to tell the story of Maine’s World War I legacy. Go to SunJournal.com to read more.