America’s entrance into World War I in 1917 revived the inactive Benicia Arsenal, the US Army’s main ordnance depot on the West Coast. The Arsenal managed and repaired supplies and armaments that were sent to military forts throughout the Pacific. Its large workforce re-energized Benicia’s slumped economy. This mural depicts four types of aircraft–fighters, bombers, trench strafers and dirigibles–that were all new to military use.  Also depicted are two explosions, a rifle, an artillery gun, a tank, a submarine periscope and a sword. Yes, swords were still issued to some divisions at the outset of WWI.  The scene shows a family waving goodbye to their son and brother. The father is holding a copy of the contemporary song, Over There, whose refrain was: “The Yanks are coming.”  The mother and daughter are waving white handkerchiefs reminiscent of doves of peace.