"For most people, World War I is a forgotten war," said Bob Dunn, a collector of artifacts from that war. "WWI brought about a number of reasons it should be remembered."

The Palmerton Heritage Center is featuring his artifacts in an exhibit titled, "Remembering the 100th Anniversary of WWI."Dunn said that WWI was the first time tanks, automobiles and trucks were used. And in the sky, dogfighting airplanes flew.In medicine, triage centers were established, blood transfusions were given, X-rays were used, articulated artificial limbs were created, and plastic surgery developed.WWI was also when psychiatrists discovered a disorder they called shell shocked, which is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder.Peter Kern, the director of the Heritage Center, said that the New Jersey Zinc Co. in Palmerton played an important part in the war as well.The zinc company produced zinc oxide, which was a vital ingredient in the manufacturing of rubber tires, he said. Likewise, zinc metal was used to make brass for the ammunition shell casings."You couldn't have them without the role of the zinc company in WWI," he said."This area helped tremendously in both wars," Dunn added.