They are 'owning' 1914 for one reason: to attempt to stave off critics and those who would mock and discredit them. It's a PR strategy. Hillary is doing the same thing right now in an attempt to stave off critics if she runs for president, talking about Benghazi and Monica. And really, they made such a deal out of 1914 how could they not? Trying to hide from it would be obvious, and the critics and late night comedians would have a field day (are they even relevant enough these days for comedians to poke fun at them?)
What have they accomplished other than destroying a lot of familes and ruining a lot of lives. I can't think of anything.