World War I – Commemoration Program & Reception

Saturday, August 3, 2024

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Alexander Mansion

4607 Ross Ave, Dallas, Texas

Tickets available below: $50 per person, reservations required

Commemoration Program

featuring our distinguished guest,
Major General James L. Williams, USMC (Retired)

“Two Shots That Ignited a World War:
How an 18 year Student Changed the World Forever”

On June 28, 1914 an 18 year old student, assassinated the heir to the Austro Hungarian throne, Archduke Ferdinand and his wife. As a result, a month later, the First World War began. When it ended, the impact of the War changed the world forever, and affected the next generation, with the eventual path into World War II.

The Dallas Woman’s Forum is honored to have Maj. General James Williams, USMC (Retired), present the fascinating history of the First World War. General Williams will cover the origins of the war, the spread throughout Europe, America’s eventual entry, the end of the Great War, and the War’s tragic impact to the future. In addition, we’ll hear a bit about the involvement of the Dallas Woman’s Forum with the War effort, before and after the U.S. joined in the fight.

Following the program, a commemorative reception will be held with beverages (including a signature World War I era cocktail), and hors d’oeuvres.

About Our Speaker

Major General James L. Williams, USMC (Retired) served our country for 38 years in the military, with the United States Marine Corps. In 2010, he retired with the rank of Major General. His lengthy, distinguished military career included the command of Marines at every level in combat operations and readiness. General Williams was last assigned as the Commanding General, 4th Marine Division and served on the Secretary of Defense’s Reserve Force Policy Board. Included in his military decorations are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Korea Defense Medal, and the National Defense Medal, to name a few. During the Carter and Reagan Presidencies, Major General Williams served as a Military White House Social Aide. He was serving at The White House during the Middle East Peace talks between Israel and Egypt, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Russians, the rescue attempt to free American hostages from Iran, and during the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981.

General Williams also serves on numerous business and philanthropic boards for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. In addition, he devotes time to champion the needs of Veterans and surviving spouses in the fight for obtaining the benefits and services they so rightfully deserve.

Purchase Tickets Here

Accessibility Notice

Please note, the World War I Commemoration Program will be held upstairs on the 2nd level, with the reception on the 1st floor. Due to the historic status of the Alexander Mansion, we do not have an elevator. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Important Notes about Tickets

You will receive an email confirmation of your ticket purchase.  You will NOT receive tickets in the mail.

Please make sure your phone and email address are correct upon check out.

Check your spam/junk email folder if you do not see a confirmation email in your inbox.

Reservation Cancellations and Ticket Refund Policy

All purchases are final. No refunds will be issued.

Your ticket is transferable to another person. Please contact us to change the name on the reservation.

To transfer your reservation to another name, send an email to [email protected].