The aerial combat veterans who related their experiences during World War II at a June 8 event at South County Library were well received. South County Library is again pleased to welcome several more World War II vets, mostly ground troops, to an event at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7.
This event, like the last, is organized with the help of Jeff Bush and Doug Andre of the Roanoke 8th Air Force WWII Historical Society. “The veterans who will join us represent the Army, Marines, and Navy and fought in battles familiar to us all, such as Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge” says Bush, adding, “The experiences of those on the ground are much different than the aerial combat veterans who spoke in June. Their perspectives will be unique.”
Singer Keith Campbell will provide musical entertainment prior to the program. Doors to the auditorium will open at 9:00 a.m. and seating is on a first-come basis. A remote broadcast will be available in the overflow seating in the meeting rooms. A brief reception follows, where participants can talk to the vets, take photos, get autographs, and enjoy refreshments.
More than 16 million served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II with casualties exceeding 400,000. Today’s World War II veterans are in their late 80s and early 90s; over 600 World War II veterans die each day.
There is no charge to attend this special event, and seating is on a first-come basis. South County Library is located at 6303 Merriman Road, Roanoke. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium.