Wheaton College marks World War I anniversary

Wheaton College marked the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I on Thursday by rededicating a bronze plaque honoring two of its students — Russell R. Brooks and Willis H. Cork — who died while serving in that conflict.

Standing on the steps of the Memorial Student Center, college President Philip Ryken told a gathering that included ROTC students, that “war is a terrible thing in itself. We long and pray for the day when all wars end.”

Both casualties from the school were members of the Class of 1918.

Marine Pvt. Brooks died on Sept. 30, 1918, of pneumonia at an Army hospital in England and is buried there.

Army Pvt. Cork died Oct. 1, 1918, of influenza at Cook County hospital and is buried in Wheaton Cemetery.

“War is also a venue in which to serve others,” Ryken told the gathering, “... in a sense the ultimate sacrifice that some would lay down their life for their friends.”