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The Friends of the National World War II Memorial brings educators from around the nation together for an annual conference to learn about the every day men and women of the WWII generation whose character, courage, creativity, determination, and innovation not only led to the winning of the war, but also reshaped America.
The conference features presentations by fellow educators and other experts in the area of WWII history, discussions with WWII veterans and war orphans, and a remembrance ceremony.
July 21-25, 2025
Alex Kershaw is a journalist and a New York Times bestselling author of books on World War II. Born in York, England, he is a graduate of Oxford University and lives in Savannah, Georgia. His critically-acclaimed books include The Bedford Boys, The Longest Winter, and Escape from the Deep.
Raymond (Ray) Sun is an associate professor of history at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where he has worked since 1991 after getting his PhD in modern German history from the Johns Hopkins University. He teaches courses on the world wars as well as Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and genocide.
A Rhodes Scholar and a decorated Army officer, Josiah Bunting III served in Vietnam and served for eight years as superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute. He is the author of the biography Ulysses S. Grant for the American Presidents Series.
Shane Gower teaches Social Studies at Maranacook Community High School in Readfield, ME. He is currently the President of the Maine Council for the Social Studies, a member of the iCivics Educator Network and Georgetown University's Pivotal Network.
John W. McCaskill brings dynamic public speaking presentations in Washington, DC and across the country. A true Renaissance man, John is an educator, historian, lecturer, coach, and inspirational speaker, who inspires and captivates his audiences by teaching the principles of leadership and teamwork through history.
The conference is free and open to any elementary, middle, or high school teacher or college professor at an accredited public, charter, private or parochial school. Media specialists, librarians, curriculum coordinators and academic coaches are eligible as long as they spend at least half of their time providing direct instruction to students. Each participant will receive a certificate for continuing education hours.
At the heart of the Friends’ Teachers Conference program is the concept of community service. As a condition of participating in Friends’ annual summer teachers conference, each participant is expected to work with their students, school, and community to fulfill a community service project.
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.
