2014-2018 commemorates the centennial of the First World War. High above the trenches, our soldiers witnessed the advent of military aviation, which forever altered the shape of modern combat and made World War I unlike any other conflict in human history. On the 100th anniversary of this great and terrible struggle, we reflect on the sacrifice of our nation's servicemen and the war whose enduring legacy shaped the social, military and political fabric of the 20th century. Aug. 4, 2014 marked the beginning of the centenary, which concludes on Nov. 11, 2018. The museum's Early Years Gallery conveys the history of these formative days of military air power, and this page contains information and online resources in commemoration of the Great War.