The cover of an informational pamphlet on the history of the 1st Infantry Division, published by Stars & Stripes in 1944 (photo credit: LoneSentry.com website)
FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) — Fort Riley's 1st Infantry Division, better known as the "Big Red One" for its distinctive patch, is about to turn 95. The division was formed in 1917 during World War I when it arrived in Europe with General John Pershing and was known as the First American Expeditionary Force. The soldiers began wearing the red patch on their left shoulders to identify them on the battlefield. Based now at Fort Riley, the division will celebrate its history with a series of events beginning Thursday. Festivities kick off with a carnival that runs June 7-10. The band Daughtry will perform a free concert for Department of Defense cardholders and their guests on June 10. The division will also participate in a "Victory Run" that starts a week of competitions and ceremonies on the northeast Kansas post. The division's headquarters is currently deployed to Afghanistan.