Springfield history: Area native carried World War I armistice message to top Allied commanders

November 11 marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, when hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the armistice with Germany went into effect.

As a dispatcher for the 319th Signal Battalion, Springfielder Leon Roth delivered the vital message that signaled the end of the war, returning to Springfield with the Distinguished Service Cross, and the red message canister that had carried the all-important armistice.

That canister is on display on the second floor of the Heritage Center with more images, artifacts, and stories that tell about decades of experiences of local men and women who served their country in the military.

An additional two-part exhibit on the first floor looks at Clark County's role in WWI and will continue through 2018, looking at local impact and experiences in training, combat, and with home front support.

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