Upcoming Programs Focus on Wartime Heroes
July 23, 2015 —
Children in the library’s Summer Reading Program, “Every Hero Has a Story,” are exploring the heroic traits of animals, humans and comic book characters. Two upcoming programs for adults focus on wartime heroes – those on the battlefield and those who stayed behind.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Republic Branch Library, Local History Associate Michael Price will talk about how Springfield citizens supported the World War I effort in 1914-1918 while Greene County men went to France and fought in the trenches.
“World War I is one of the most interesting periods in Springfield history,” Michael says. “Springfield dealers supplied thousands of horses and mules to the Allied armies. There was a bitter streetcar strike and the most sensational crime in Springfield history, the kidnapping and murder of baby Lloyd Keet, occurred in 1917.”
At 7-9 p.m. on Monday, July 27 – Korean War Day -- in the Library Center auditorium, a special guest discusses President Harry S. Truman and the Korean War. Sam Rushay, supervisory archivist at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, will use materials from the library’s archival holdings to tell the story of Truman’s actions during the Korean War.
In June 1950, war erupted on the Korean peninsula as North Korean troops invaded South Korea. Within days, President Truman authorized U.S. air, sea and ground forces to repel the invasion under United Nations auspices.
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Don’t forget these events happening on Thursday, July 23!
- The Between Friends Gift Shop’s indoor sidewalk sale runs from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Library Center’s meeting room B. You’ll find gifts and décor marked down by 50 percent to 75 percent. Cash, checks and credit cards with valid ID are accepted. Items are tax-free, and proceeds support the library district. For details call 883-6936.
- Springfield’s nationally known author and poet David Harrison, the Byron Biggers Band and the Resident Artist Ensemble will perform rib-tickling versions of David’s popular poems for all ages from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.