World War I, once heralded as “the war to end all wars,” ended on Nov. 11, 1918, which is why we (and many other countries) celebrate veterans on this day. Many millions died during the horrific war of 1914 to 1918. The battlefields of Verdun in France provide a poignant tribute to the 800,000 casualties suffered there.
Verdun is in northeastern France, not far from the Champagne region, in a strategic location between Paris and the German border. In 1916, after two years of trench warfare, the Germans decided to strike a powerful knockout punch at the heart of the French defense; it would demoralize the enemy and force a quick surrender. They decided that Verdun would be the perfect target since it was almost surrounded, but the French fought to the bitter end. France eventually prevailed, but at a terrible cost.
