Fall Lecture Series
Gettysburg and the World Wars
Sponsored by Eisenhower National Historic Site and Gettysburg National Military Park
Eisenhower National Historic Site and Gettysburg National Military Park will commemorate the centennial of the conclusion of the First World War with a series of special lectures and battlefield walks on Veterans Day weekend, November 9 and 10. Gettysburg is intrinsically connected to the American experience in World War I and World War II. From the use of the battlefield as a military camp during the two conflicts, to those who died fighting a continent away and now rest in Gettysburg National Cemetery, reminders of these 20th century conflicts can be found throughout the park.
The National Park Service invites the public to join a lineup of esteemed historians and park rangers to explore this fascinating topic with a series of free lectures and battlefield walks.
November 9
7 pm - 8 pm
The Great War and Centennial Memory
Dr. Ian Isherwood, Gettysburg College
November 11 signifies the centennial of the Armistice that ended the First World War. Since the guns fell silent on the western front, the war has been subject to varying meanings and interpretations that have attempted to come to grips with the human and physical destruction brought by its industrialized carnage. Dr. Ian Isherwood of Gettysburg College will address the way the war has been remembered over the last one hundred years.
This program will take place in the film theater of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike.
November 10
11 am - noon
These Honored Dead: Veterans of the First and Second World Wars in Gettysburg National Cemetery
Ranger Daniel Vermilya, Eisenhower National Historic Site
The story of the Gettysburg National Cemetery goes beyond the events of 1863. Nearly half of those who are interred there are veterans of 20th century conflicts, including some who were killed in places such as the Meuse Argonne, Omaha Beach, and Pearl Harbor. Join a park ranger for this free walking tour, exploring the stories of those who "gave the last full measure of devotion" for their country in the First and Second World Wars.
Begins at Auto Tour Stop 16, Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Meet at the Rostrum for this 60 minute hike.
November 10
2 pm - 3 pm
The Fallen American Soldiers of World War II, Their World of Combat
Professor John C. McManus
Professor John C. McManus will bring to life the stories of two Americans who lost their lives in the iconic battle for Omaha Beach and earned the Medal of Honor for their actions. At the same time, McManus will discuss the context of what the world of combat was like for these men and millions of others who fought in World War II.
This program will take place at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, in the Ford Education Center.
This schedule is subject to change. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tags: gettysburg gettysburg national military park eisenhower national historic site military battlefield national cemeteries veterans wwi wwii
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
