Pittsburgh television anchor Michelle Wright will speak on her book The Secret Diary, the true story of an American aviator’s POW experience in Europe. After his B-24 was shot down in 1944, Marvin Doyle (a pre-war resident of Roanoke, VA and a student at Virginia Tech) endured months of captivity and documented his experiences by keeping a journal on flattened cigarette packs. Wright would inherit this makeshift diary from Doyle’s widow, and collected his writings in her book, copies of which she will sign after her talk. About the speaker: Michelle Wright anchors Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 every weekday morning. A native...

https://youtu.be/YKspKS7L1sI?si=Vt9JtItKhoZGQTuC

D-Day was, above all, an amphibious assault. As much as history heralds the valiant soldier on the beach, it is self-evident that without a massive Allied fleet behind him he would never be anywhere near France. Learn more about what was required for victory in the most crucial invasion of the war as Capt. James Ransom (USN Ret.) explores aspects of naval power, its capabilities and consequences, on June 6, 1944 in this virtual lecture. About the speaker: Capt. James "Jim" Ransom (USN Ret.) a Bachelor of Science degree in History from the U.S. Naval Academy, and a Master of...

This year’s 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations has focused the public’s attention on the historic 1944 invasion of France during World War II and its legacy. Join the National Museum of the United States Army to look at how museums and historical organizations interpret and remember D-Day’s meaning, importance, and legacy. Panelists will include John Long of the National D-Day Memorial, Benjamin Brands of the American Battlefields Monument Commission, and Peter Crean of the National WWII Museum. The virtual history talk is free, but registration is required.

Join us for our annual Veterans Day observance ceremony saluting all who have served with keynote speaker Mitchell Yockelson. https://vimeo.com/event/2144981 About the Speaker Mitchell Yockelson Yockelson manages the National Archives and Records Administration Archival Recovery Program, leading investigations of thefts of historical documents and museum artifacts. His work has been featured on 60 Minutes, PBS, C-SPAN, the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Washington Post. Additionally, Yockelson is a professor of military history at Norwich University and the author of many books, articles and reviews. His latest book, The Paratrooper Generals: Matthew Ridgway, Maxwell Taylor, and the American Airborne...

Join Jim Triesler, Director of Education for the Virginia War Memorial, as he shares stories from the Battle of the Bulge, which Winston Churchill called the greatest American battle of World War II. https://www.youtube.com/live/3NFvQJC87ho?si=HdwUrpL47Z_BlWFY About the speaker: Jim Triesler is an award-winning educator who serves as the Director of Education for the Virginia War Memorial and as Historian for the National Battle of the Bulge Association. He and his students were the recipients of a Save Our History Award from the History Channel for their work towards preserving thousands of WWII letters.