‘Remembering World War II’ topic of Colligan lecture Nov. 6 at MUH

November 3, 2008

Four local veterans from history's "Greatest Generation" will share their memories and impressions from those critical days between Pearl Harbor and D-Day that changed the world and saved civilization from the tyranny of fascism, during a special event sponsored by the Michael J. Colligan History Project and Miami University Hamilton.

“Remembering World War II” takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 6, in the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center. Two of the panelists served in Europe; two in the Pacific.

Sharing their experiences with the campus and community will be Jack Kirsch (Army, infantry), Bud Newkirk (Navy, carrier USS Hornet), Bill Merritt (Air Corps, 8th Air Force), and Arky Vaughn (Navy, LST 752). The panel represents the scope of service and sacrafice required to win the war.

Jim Blount, Butler County’s leading historian, will serve as moderator for the panel discussion.

Prior to the main event, Miami Hamilton will host a Veterans’ Appreciation Reception from 6-7 p.m. in the Wilks atrium to recognize and salute the service of all MUH faculty, staff, and student war veterans.

“We extend our veterans a special welcome to Miami Hamilton that evening,” said Michael Carrafiello, associate dean and director of the Colligan History Project.

“The week between Election Day and Veterans' Day affords an important opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of those who helped to preserve democracy in the past and those who – with all of us -- will be called upon to continue to sustain and strengthen it in the future,” Carrafiello said.