The commemoration of the Raid itself was lead by Mr. Richard Dean, President of the Columbus Historical Society.
The event, held in the Historic Depot Memorial Garden, was introduced by Mr. Bill Wehner, Vice President of the Columbus Historical Society, followed by welcoming remarks from the towns new Mayor. The order of ceremonies was as follows:
Roll of U.S. Soldiers Killed in the Raid
Roll of U.S. Civilians Killed in the Raid
Today we are gathered in the quiet corner of New Mexico, to remember the events
of 90 years ago.
Raid Day Speech Delivered by the Chairman, Pershings' Doughboys
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On this very spot, marked the pivotal point in American history, transcending the
ancient times of the "old west", progressing into the modern era.
The town of Columbus, which was virtually unheard of in the worldwide community,
was catapulted to international fame, with news of the Villa attack of the 9th March 1916.
In that raid, many civilians and military of this small border outpost, found
themselves embroiled in an action, which although deemed by many subsequent historians
to be of little historical importance, was in fact the wake up call of the United States
government and nation.
In Europe the British, French and German armies had been at world war for over two years.
Many thousands of men had paid the ultimate sacrifice for the causes they believed in.
Fighting for their flag, nation and freedom against repression and for the liberty and
freedom of their peoples. Horrendous new killing techniques of gas warfare, tanks,
aircraft, machine guns barbed wire and high explosives were tearing Europe apart.
Two huge military empires were engaged in bitter fighting against one another, which
increasingly spread across the world, to encompass unrestricted submarine warfare on
the high seas, and fighting in as far away places as the middle east and Africa.
American popular opinion at this time was divided, with large scale anti militaristic
feelings and an un-willingness to become embroiled in European affairs.
The March 1916, events at Columbus, highlighted the Nations inadequacies to defend against
aggressive attack on its democratic principles and freedom for all. The mobilisation of
the US National Guard, and its federalisation was the first time in American military
history that so many men had been mobilised for federal service.
The subsequent border service, taught the US army valuable lessons in logistics and supply
which would act as a springboard for further operations around the world, and in particular
the formation of the American Expeditionary force in 1917.
General Pershing's appointment to lead the "Punitive Expedition" into Mexico, marked
several turning points in Military history. For the very first time in a combat environment
the US forces would deploy and use, aerial resources from the 1st Aero Squadron…..(Very much
the infancy of the modern air force). Signals intelligence and communications were deployed
using state of the art technology for 1916, including field telephones, telegraph,
encryption devices, long range radio and interception techniques.
Motor transport was used for the first time, to haul even larger cargos and quantities
of men to front line areas, and the whole concept of logistics and supply was stretched
to the limit during the punitive expedition, where US troopers were frequently involved
in operations in a foreign country far from US national bases and assets. When viewed in
these terms there are many aspects of the events of 1916, where we, can draw modern
parallels with current US operations in the war on terror. 1916 saw the first large-scale
deployment of US troops, operating in a harsh desert environment on foreign soil in a
mission to apprehend an international bandit.
It should be recognised that many of the men who stepped forward for federal service
during the punitive expedition and subsequent border operations were guardsmen or volunteers.
The sacrifices they made, in support of the defence of the nation should never be forgotten.
Some of these men would never return to their homes, far away in each and every far flung
outpost of the United States. Men from the northern territories, the east coast and the far
west were bound together by a common sense of purpose, to defend the border and do their bit
for Uncle Sam. Experiences of these men while on border service was the nucleus of the AEF,
with many men undertaking an even greater danger, in the battlefields, trenches and mud of
a European war in subsequent years.
Names such as Belleau Wood, St Mihiel, Meuse Argonne, Marne, Champagne, and the Somme are
known to many, and are proud milestones in the turbulent battle history of the United States
forces. However we should never forget the smaller engagements where men faced equal danger
and some lost their lives in service of the nation. March 9th 1916 was the definitive moment
in history where the United States of America turned from the revolutionary nation of the
founding fathers, into a modern super power sitting at the world table and involved in
foreign policy through its economic and military strength.
President Woodrow Wilson's 14 point plan was the catalyst for international diplomatic
organisations, first with the league of Nations, then finally through to the United Nations.
At the commencement of the punitive expedition, the US air assets were a mere handful, yet
in no less than a couple of years, the United States arsenal of democracy was amongst the
largest in the world. When threatened the men and women of the United States have always
drawn together to support themselves and their allied nations.
As British nationals, we pay our respects to these founding fathers of the principles of
self determination, democratic government and liberty and justice for all.
Britain has twice in as many generations stood side by side with our allies from across
the sea. Two nations divided by a common language, both supporting the fundamental
ideology of liberty and justice for the common man.
Today our forces operate together in another 21st century desert conflict. Who knows what
the legacy of these actions will be in a further 90-100 years.
Of one thing that is certain. While brave men and women from all nations are willing to
step forward and answer the call of duty for their nations defence, in order that civilians
can live peaceful and productive lives, then there will always be a overwhelming need never
to forget the sacrifices and achievements of these brave citizen soldiers, airmen and sailors.
Today March 9th 2006, 90 years ago to the day, we lay this small floral tribute of Red Poppies as a mark of respect for the soldiers sailors and airmen from the American forces of yesteryear. We also remember the civilians whose lives were turned upside down during the events of the Pancho Villa raid.
Red Poppies are the international symbol of remembrance taken from the Poppies of the Great
War, so prevalent in the fields of Flanders.
As citizens from the mother country we have travelled to one of the furthest outposts, of
United States territories, from our native island. We give thanks to the hospitality and
friendship of the people and citizens of Columbus New Mexico, and trust that this small
wreath will act as reminder for forthcoming generations of the sacrifices made at this
spot 90 years ago today.
Raid Day Photographs
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Mounted section of the U.S. Border Service, Pershings' Doughboys and members of the Khaki Club pose for
the crowds in front of the Columbus Historical Societies meuseum, Thursday Marth 9th 2006. Probably
the largest gathering of Expeditionary Doughboys in Columbus since 1916!
Mounted section of the U.S. Border Service, a unit of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service.
These Guards patrol the international border between the United States and Mexico on horse back, getting to places that even
a Hummer cannot reach!
Doughboys members dressed in unique reproduction Nurses uniforms look on from a
locally owned Ford Model T, redressed as an ambulance for the event.
Doughboys chairman delivers his speech to the gathered townsfolk and special guests.
Members of pershing's Doughboys and The Khaki Club (from Michigan U.S.A) parade for the event.
the combined team of 15 men provided a 21 gun salute to close the ceremony.
Stone pillar in the grounds of the Columbus rail station with bronze plaques either side
in rememberance of the soldiers and civilians killed. The wreath laid by the Doughboys was
sourced from the Royal British Legion to bring out the Poppy as the international symbol of
rememberance.
Raid Day Memorabelia
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Shoulder patch of the Columbus Police service.
Front of the flyer detailing the participents and order of ceremonies.
"Cradle of American Airpower"
by Peter R. Westacott. Limited edition print presented to
Pershing's Doughboys members by Mr. Dean in thanks for their participation in the commemoration.
Certificate presented by Mr. Dean enrolling membvers of Pershing's Doughboys into the Columbus Hostoric Commission's
"1st Aero Squadron". This organisation is dedicated to promoting the history of the
squadron. In addition a portion of the funds raised by the Commission are provided to the Deming
Literacy Program, supporting literacy classes in Columbus and Deming NM.
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