Alan Seeger

Alan Seeger was an American poet and soldier born on June 22, 1888, in New York City. He grew up in the privileged environment of Staten Island and later attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1910. Known for his romantic and idealistic nature, Seeger moved to Paris, becoming part of the expatriate artist community. His time in Paris profoundly influenced his poetry, evident in his rich, classical style.

When World War I erupted, Seeger felt a strong sense of duty and joined the French Foreign Legion in 1914, long before the United States entered the war. His letters and poems from the front lines are filled with enthusiasm, reflecting his belief in the nobility of the cause and the valor of the soldier's life. Seeger's most famous poem, "I Have a Rendezvous with Death," encapsulates his gallant and fatalistic outlook on life and war.

Tragically, Alan Seeger's life was cut short when he was killed in action on July 4, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. His posthumous collection of poetry was published in 1917, solidifying his legacy as a poignant voice of the era. Seeger's work remains a touching testament to the youthful idealism and tragic loss of World War I.