NEW ORLEANS – On Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 6:00 pm, The National World War II Museum will continue its highly successful General Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II with a presentation by New York Times best-selling author Alex Kershaw. His presentation entitled "Liberators: Three Americans who helped free Europe from Nazism" will follow three ordinary Americans with an extraordinary mission to defend Europe against totalitarianism.
Four of Kershaw’s six books have focused on World War II, specifically small units caught up in history-changing conflicts. The Bedford Boys told the story of Company A, 116th Infantry on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944, and the huge price that one small town paid for freedom. The Longest Winter recounts how a single platoon held up the German advance in the first 24 hours of the Battle of the Bulge. The Few, chosen by the Military Book Club as its first-ever book of the year, tells the story of eight Americans who flew for the British Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain. His latest, Escape from the Deep, focuses on nine crew members on the legendary submarine, USS Tang, and their unbelievable story of survival. Kershaw’s next book examines the story of SS mass murderer Adolf Eichmann and his high-stakes dealings with Raoul Wallenberg, one of the Holocaust's greatest hero.
Devoted to the legacy of America’s largest war, the Mason Lecture Series is the latest in a series of events both locally and nationally that The National World War II Museum has presented to underscore the war’s continuing relevance to both the 21st-century and the Greatest Generation’s heirs – the sons and daughters of the men and women who fought in the conflict.
The next presentation in the Mason Lecture Series will be on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 6:00 pm, featuring Medal of Honor Recipient, Senator Daniel Inouye. This event will also mark the opening of the special exhibit, Fighting for Democracy, Who is the “We” in “We the People”?, on loan from The Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
The Mason Lecture Series is made possible through the generosity of Major General and Mrs. Raymond E. Mason, Jr. and the Raymond E. Mason Foundation. A native of Columbus, Ohio, General Mason served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II in the 4th Armored Division of General George S. Patton’s Third Army. Prior to retiring from the military in 1976, he held several high-ranking Pentagon positions, including Assistant Deputy Chief for Operations and Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Logistics.
The National World War II Museum is proud to present the Mason Lecture Series as free community events, but seating is limited. Reservations are required. For more information on this and future lectures in this series, call 504-527-6012 x 331 or email jeremy.collins@nationalww2museum.org. Registration is also available online at www.nationalww2museum.org.
The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today – so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the nation’s official World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.