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Friends of the National World War II Memorial presents a Monthly Conference Series to learn more about the spirit of unity and shared purpose that defined the character of our country during World War II. This series of monthly half-day virtual conferences features discussions with WWII veterans, war orphans, published authors, and other experts. New York Times best-selling author and Friends' Resident Historian Alex Kershaw moderates the discussions after each presentation.
Register today, for free, to join this unique digital experience.
September - April
Third Saturday Monthly
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
Richard Sherman offers a deeply moving journey through America’s overseas military cemeteries from World Wars I and II as depicted in his book: Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned. Drawing from his personal experiences as a Navy veteran and professional photographer, Sherman shares powerful stories and compelling biographies honoring those who gave everything yet never returned home. Inspired by his father’s influence and a profound encounter with a Ukrainian World War II veteran, Sherman embarked on a decade-long quest to document these resting places - from Normandy to Manila - reflecting a heartfelt sense of gratitude and obligation. His presentation not only commemorates the sacrifices made for freedom but also highlights the importance of preserving these memories for future generations.
Pulitzer Prize-finalist and veteran foreign correspondent Gregg Jones presents Most Honorable Son, the first comprehensive biography of Japanese American war hero Ben Kuroki. Jones explores Kuroki’s remarkable journey from a Nebraska farm boy determined to prove his patriotism after Pearl Harbor to a decorated Army Air Forces gunner who flew 58 combat missions across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific during World War II. Despite confronting pervasive racism and injustice at home, Kuroki tirelessly fought for acceptance within America’s military ranks and later challenged the incarceration of Japanese Americans, becoming an influential advocate for civil rights. Through Kuroki’s powerful story of courage, perseverance, and principle, Jones sheds important light on issues of racial prejudice, belonging, and identity in wartime America.
Award-winning journalist and historian Lesley Blume discusses her critically acclaimed book, Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World, a compelling investigation into the U.S. government’s attempt to conceal the devastating aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Blume recounts how American journalist John Hersey courageously exposed the true horrors of nuclear warfare through his groundbreaking 1946 New Yorker article, “Hiroshima,” which fundamentally altered global perceptions of nuclear weapons. Her presentation highlights the vital role of investigative journalism in revealing suppressed truths, influencing public consciousness, and shaping international policy on nuclear arms.
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial’s education programs are generously supported by the Jack C. Taylor / Enterprise Rent-A-Car WWII Memorial Education Endowment.
