The National WWII Museum is honored to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the “Band of Brothers” miniseries premiere by hosting a daylong Symposium in New Orleans on Saturday, August 13, 2022*. The Symposium will bring members from the cast and crew together on stage to reflect on their experiences, share unique insights, and provide behind-the-scenes commentary. Family members of Easy Company veterans will also participate in a session on the lasting legacy of their loved ones.
Perhaps no single work, in the past two decades, has had such an impact, or made such an imprint on the American memory of World War II.
*Rescheduled from January 2022 due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions.
Free Virtual Registration Now Open
Thanks to our generous sponsors, the “Band of Brothers” 20th Anniversary Symposium will be livestreamed and available for audiences to watch virtually free of charge. Register below to receive free access to the virtual program on August 13, 2022.
In Person Attendance is currently sold out.
Program (Subject to Change)
Friday, August 12, 2022
All times are listed in Central Standard Time (CT).
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at The National WWII Museum
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. “Boot Camp Basics” with Captain Dale Dye
Moderator – Kirk Saduski, Playtone Executive
- Captain Dale Dye, Military Advisor, portrayed Col. Robert Sink
- Freddie Joe Farnsworth, Military Advisor and Actor
- Laird Macintosh, Military Advisor and Actor
- Michael Stokey, Military Advisor
- Frank John Hughes, portrayed Sgt. William J. “Wild Bill” Guarnere, Sr.
- Michael Cudlitz, portrayed Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman
- Ross McCall, portrayed T-5 Joseph D. Liebgott
Saturday, August 13, 2022
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at The National WWII Museum
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks
- Welcome and Sponsor Recognition – Becky Mackie, Executive VP & COO, The National WWII Museum
- “From an Idea to an Institution: Stephen Ambrose and The National D-Day Museum” – Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller – Founding President & CEO Emeritus, The National WWII Museum
- Michael Bell, Master of Ceremonies, Executive Director, Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
REAL TO REEL: SPIELBERG, HANKS, AND THE SEARCH FOR AUTHENTICITY
The symposium kicks off with a panel comprised of the producers, casting directors, and writers who had “front row seats” to the creation of the blockbuster miniseries. Learn how they worked together to honor the service and memory of the veterans while also educating and entertaining the millions who have come to be inspired by Band of Brothers.
Moderator – Kirk Saduski, Playtone Executive
Crew:
- Tony To, Executive Producer
- Ivan Schwarz, Producer
- Erik Bork, Screenwriter and Supervising Producer
- Erik Jendresen, Screenwriter and Supervising Producer
- Meg Liberman, Casting Director
Cast:
- Michael Cudlitz, portrayed Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman
- Frank John Hughes, portrayed Sgt. William J. “Wild Bill” Guarnere, Sr.
- Ross McCall, portrayed T-5 Joseph D. Liebgott
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
FROM TOCCOA TO EUROPE: ON THE GROUND WITH EASY COMPANY
A behind-the-scenes look at what went into capturing the actions of Easy Company on film, with unique perspectives from actors and writers of select episodes.
Moderator – Michael Cudlitz, portrayed Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman
Crew:
- Graham Yost, Screenwriter
- John Orloff, Screenwriter
- Bruce McKenna, Screenwriter
Cast:
- Rick Gomez, portrayed T-4 George Luz
- Ross McCall, portrayed T-5 Joseph D. Liebgott
- Matthew Settle, portrayed Cpt. Ronald Speirs
- Shane Taylor, portrayed T-4 Eugene G. “Doc” Roe
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Lunch Break
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
A COMPANY OF HEROES: THE LEGACY OF EASY COMPANY
A glimpse into the memory of the Band of Brothers formed by the book and miniseries, including the bonds the veterans formed with the actors who portrayed them. Family members of Easy Company veterans also carry on the spirit of camaraderie and education about their loved ones. Cast members and veteran family members share deep and personal insights into the men of Easy Company.
Moderator – Kirk Saduski, Playtone Executive
Cast and Crew:
- Jodie Burke, Producer, “We Stand Alone Together”
- Rick Gomez, portrayed T-4 George Luz
- Frank John Hughes, portrayed Sgt. William J. “Wild Bill” Guarnere, Sr.
- Robin Laing, portrayed Pvt. Edward “Babe” Heffron
- Shane Taylor, portrayed T-4 Eugene G “Doc” Roe
Easy Company Family Members:
- Gene Guarnere, Son of Sgt. William J. “Wild Bill” Guarnere, Sr.
- Chris Langlois, Grandson of T-4 Eugene G. “Doc” Roe, Sr.
- George Luz Jr., Son of T-4 George Luz, Sr.
- Kerry Tipper, Daughter of PFC Edward J. Tipper, Jr.
- Trish Zavrel, Daughter of Pvt. Edward “Babe” Heffron
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Break
3:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
“WE STAND ALONE TOGETHER”: ACTORS' REMINISCENCES ROUNDTABLE
The experience of starring in the miniseries facilitated lasting bonds and
lifelong friendships between the cast members and crew. In the subsequent 20 years since its premiere, these relationships remain strong. All actors in attendance participate in the final session to share recollections of their experiences in the casting process in bootcamp, on set, during premieres, and at various reunions and events over the years.
Moderator – Frank John Hughes, portrayed Sgt. William J. “Wild Bill” Guarnere, Sr.
Moderator – Michael Cudlitz, portrayed Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman
Cast:
- George Calil, portrayed Sgt. James H. “Mo” Alley, Jr.
- Rick Gomez, portrayed T-4 George Luz
- Peter Youngblood Hills, portrayed Sgt. Darrell Cecil “Shifty” Powers
- Mark Huberman, portrayed Pvt. Lester Hashey
- Robin Laing, portrayed Pvt. Edward “Babe” Heffron
- Mark Lawrence, portrayed Cpl. William H. “Buddy” Dukeman
- Ross McCall, portrayed T-5 Joseph D. Liebgott
- Rene Moreno, portrayed Pvt. Joseph Ramirez
- Jason O’Mara, portrayed 1st Lt. Thomas Meehan
- Peter O’Meara, portrayed Lt. Norman S. Dike, Jr.
- Matthew Settle, portrayed Cpt. Ronald Speirs
- Doug Spain, portrayed Pvt. Antonio C. “Tony” Garcia
- Shane Taylor, portrayed T-4 Eugene G “Doc” Roe
4:20 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
- Robin Laing, portrayed Pvt. Edward ‘Babe’ Heffron
4:30 p.m. 4:40 p.m.
“Legacy”: Easy Company Veteran Oral History Presentation from The National WWII Museum
4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- Autograph Session (Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, The National WWII Museum)
View Official Program Brochure
Shop Books and DVDs for this upcoming event!
Follow in their Footsteps
In our Easy Company: England to the Eagle's Nest Travel Program, join Museum staff and notable historians for the real-life epic journey across Europe made famous by the Band of Brothers miniseries. This exclusive travel opportunity includes tour stops and special guests not featured anywhere else.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORED BY
FLASH: THUNDER SPONSOR
RYAN ADKERSON
SCREAMING EAGLE SPONSORS
GALERIE DE GALATOIRE
CRAIG AND ANN MCDONALD, LUBBOCK, TX
CURRAHEE! SPONSORS
CAMRYN BATCHELOR
DOWIS FAMILY ANDREW, SILEEN, SLOANE
RAGAN, ROSENBERGER, MILLER FAMILY
THE RAMSEY FAMILY – RICK, KATHY, SEAN, AND JONATHAN
LARRY AND PENNY SCHUTT
ROBERT V. SIEBEL
RICHARD D. THACKER
WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:
BARRINGTON IRVING