Historian Louis Varnell
Local military historian and reenactor Louis Varnell, The History Company, joined the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR at the Tea Cottage for a flash back 100 years to The Great War. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is commemorating The Great War and researching and identifying family members who served with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe or supported the military’s initiative.
Mr. Varnell, a member of the Tennessee Great War Commission noted for his trench warfare demonstrations, portrayed his grandfather Fred Varnell, a South Pittsburg resident who served with the Marines in battles across France, most significantly at Belleau Woods. The dramatic retelling of Mr. Varnell’s combat experiences, including his personal encounter with the poisonous gases that distinguished the Great War’s technological advances, had the chapter members alternately cheering and reeling in horror. As one member remarked, “The veil slipped and, for a few moments, Louis Varnell, in that uniform, became his grandfather. What a connection and what a perfect way to understand the reasons why we were engaged in that war - - and the costs our soldiers paid.”
For more information about Louis Varnell or The History Company’s effort to share the nation’s history, call 290-6639. To learn more about a family’s history and possible membership in the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR, email jmdumitru@gmail.com.
CJR Regent Jessica Dumitru, Louis Varnell and CJR Past Regent Hermina Litton