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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
Join New York Times bestselling author A.J. Baime as he delves into the gripping story behind his acclaimed book, The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World. This presentation chronicles Truman’s extraordinary rise from an unassuming vice president to a leader thrust into the most pivotal 120 days in American history. A.J. examines the seismic events Truman navigated during this period, including the fall of Berlin, the liberation of concentration camps, the founding of the United Nations, the first atomic bombings, and the end of World War II. The presentation explores Truman’s remarkable transformation under unprecedented pressure, offering a profound insight into leadership, resilience, and history in the making.
Acclaimed historian and New York Times bestselling author John R. Bruning presents a gripping account of the first fifty-three critical days of the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II. This presentation explores the experiences of Marine aviators who played a decisive role in holding the island against overwhelming Japanese forces, focusing on figures such as Major John L. Smith, Captain Marion Carl, and Major Richard Mangrum. Through their stories, John highlights the desperate struggle to turn the tide in the Pacific, the toll of jungle warfare, and the profound impact these events had on the Marine Corps and the veterans’ postwar lives. The session also sheds light on the stark contrasts between the sacrifices of combat and the surreal realities of a home front unprepared for the demands of total war.
Join us for a compelling interview with Dick Ramsey, a former coxswain of the USS Nevada, one of the most storied battleships in U.S. history. Ramsey reflects on his harrowing experiences during World War II, including his role in the D-Day invasion, where the Nevada fired the first shot to support Allied troops landing at Utah Beach. From enduring 80-hour battle stations to supporting the paratroopers of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, Ramsey recounts the ship’s vital contributions at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. A recipient of the French Legion of Honor, Ramsey’s vivid memories offer a rare glimpse into history through the eyes of one of the last surviving crew members of this iconic battleship.
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.
