What should one ask a living WW1 veteran?

11\11/01 | Freeplancer

[freeplancer]

At the end of this week, I will be arriving home in my hometown in Illinois. Believe it or not, there is a friend of the family who is a true veteran of WW1 and he still has all of his faculties. I am going to interview him for a documentary, but I would really like to hear what some other people would be curious about. If anyone has any "non-humorous" questions or ideas that would aid me in what could be my last chance to ever have a sit-down with a "Dough Boy" (infantry) from WW1, I would really appreciate it.

Also, I wonder how one could find out just how many of these crusty vets are left alive?

I will post a report when I return home.

[freeplancer]

Thanks for reading my vanity.

[anniegetyourgun]

Oh, I'd want to hear his opinion of warriors then and those who are fighting today. Does he think America still has it?

[isom35]

does he prefer kirk or picard? ( I couldnt resist!)

[MJY1288]

What can I do for you SIR?

[elephantlips]

We have a WWI veteran in our area and he has all of his faculties. He is 103 years old and still attends church with us!

[abigkahuna]

Having interviewed a WW1 vet when I was a newsie many eons ago there are two simple questions after the usual warm up background and chatter.

1) What was your best memory of that time?

2) What was your worst memory?

from those two questions you can go anywhere. Remember be patient. This gentleman is trying to remember events from 85 years ago. I have trouble remembering basic training, much less anything else.

In fact a few questions about basic in those days would be excellent questions.

Good luck

[VietVet]

You have been presented with a rare opportunity. I envy you.

I would begin by asking him about his life before the War, and then ask what led him to join up. Get him to recount his experiences in training, on the ship going "over there," and anything he can remember of what he did and what happened to him, what he saw with his own eyes. Ask him about his homecoming, and what he did during WWII as well.

[KirklandJunction]

Sir, what could have been done to avoid that war?

What can we do today, and tomorrow, to not have wars?

[VietVet]

God bless him!

[JRandomFreeper]

"What vitamins are you taking?"

Honestly, the question about "what can I do for you, SIR!"? is probably the correct one.

/john

[newwahoo]

Chemical warfare.

[freeplancer]

Actually, a couple of years ago, he (Emmett)gave a speech to the local VFW post and said that in that war, Americans were brave and fought for one single reason: He said that every soldier fought for the other soldiers who fought in the same trench. While America was on their mind and freedom was a given, each and every guy fought to not let down their buddies. I thought that was interesting, because most foes are willing to die for religion or for some fanatic leader. Our guys fought for each other. Very prevoking.

[anniegetyourgun]

Now that's unit cohesion.

[newwahoo]

And his perceptions of his training, the setup of American trenches, his perception of his officers.

As a history buff, I envy you!

[kinhistorian]

He was probably born around 1900. You might ask him how he came to be in Illinois. It is possible that his grandparents came to the area by covered wagon. He may have a perspective on history that would be very interesting. Some genealogist might love you for your efforts.

[Octar]

Very interesting. Worth thinking about.

[A CA Guy]

#1 - I would ask just how big the invention of indoor plumbing was when he first got it?

#2 - Being there were slaves alive when he was young I would ask how many he knew of that were running around wishing for reparations?
I suspect the answer to number two is none.

Reminds me of a joke:
An old man goes up to a hooker and asks how much it would cost to make love with her. She says, "You've had it old man". He says, " I did?! How much do I owe you?".