WWI and the Lessons for Today

[Valin]

The Annual Colonel James D. McGinley Lecture

 

June 10 2014

 

100 years ago World War I began. What lessons have we learned since then? How had the lead-up to the Great War affected our governments policies, and how has the outcome affected how we plan and budget for future conflicts? American leadership in the world today is seen as waning, and isolationistic ideologies are growing. We should not forget that a strong U.S. presence abroad ensures safety and prosperity for all. What are the lessons from WWI for U.S. military and political leaders? Join us as we examine how these important lessons can inform todays American foreign policy and military engagement around the world.

 

The namesake of this lecture series, Colonel James D. McGinley, spent his entire career protecting American interests both at home and abroad. At home, he had a noteworthy legal career. Separately, Colonel McGinley served a distinguished 30-year career as a Naval Aviator in the United States Marine Corps. Focusing his leadership skills abroad, he volunteered for three combat tours and earned both the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. Colonel McGinley retired from the Marine Corps in April 2013. His wife, Maribeth Walton McGinley, has earned an admirable reputation for successful business ownership and creative development focused on the entertainment industry. In 2002, she was appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the full Senate to serve a six-year term as a Member of the National Council on the Arts. The McGinleys are dedicated to a host of important conservative issues, from religious liberty to national defense. The Heritage Foundation is proud to honor these two great patriots through the annual Colonel James D. McGinley Lecture.