Three Upcoming Programs Shine Spotlight on WWII Veterans and History
The library pays tribute to World War II stories and veterans this week, with programs featuring retired military officers and the stories of O’Reilly Hospital and Springfield life during the war.
At 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, five World War II veterans will discuss their service experiences in the Library Center auditorium. All ages are welcome to “WW II Symposium: What Did You Do in the War, Grandpa?”
Each veteran will share about his role and unit of service, unusual events he witnessed, life lessons learned during the war and the effects his absence had on his loved ones at home.
The presenters:
- Retired Lt. Col. John Carroll flew C-47 transports in the European Theater as a U.S Army Air Force lieutenant.
- Retired Col. Vaughn Emerson fired 60mm mortars in the 95th Infantry Division in the European Theater as a U.S. Army crewman and sergeant.
- Retired Lt. Col. David Hunt flew B-17 Bombers in the European Theater as a U.S Army Air Force lieutenant.
- Retired Maj. Edward Janosik commanded a company in the 9th Infantry Division during the invasion of North Africa as U.S. Army lieutenant.
- Retired Maj. Gen. John Lacy flew long-range B-24 Bombers out of New Guinea on missions to the Philippines as a U.S. Army Air Force lieutenant.
At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the Library Center auditorium, students in grade 6 through adult will enjoy “Remembering O'Reilly General Army Hospital.”
In February 1941, Springfield was selected as the host city for O’Reilly General Army Hospital. Learn from library local history associate John Rutherford how Springfield's “Hospital with a Soul” became the pride of the U.S. Army Medical Corps.
You can also read more about O’Reilly Hospital on the library’s website at thelibrary.org/lochist. The site includes articles, historical documents and a collection of 194 photographs courtesy of Evangel University’s Klaude Kendrick Library.
The third program, “Springfield During World War II,” will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, in the Library Center auditorium.
Library local history associate Michael Price will discuss life in Springfield during World War II, 1941-1945. He will cover the hardships and patriotism that Springfield citizens witnessed on the home front during those years.
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