The World War II Lecture Series at the Abington Free Library

Perry Luckett and Charles Byler have written the first biography of Col. James Kasler, who is the only three time recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest medal for wartime valor. Kasler served as an eighteenyearold B29 tail gunner in World War II, became a legendary jet ace in Korea, and was so famous in Vietnam that he was known by name in the White House. Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg put Kasler, along with Chuck Yeager and Robbie Riser, as “head and shoulders above the rest as stickandrudder pilots.” Kasler planned and led the most effective bombing mission of the Vietnam War. He was shot down and had to endure six years of torture in a POW camp. His courage under those brutal conditions earned him the respect of such men as John McCain and James Stockdale. This book captures the essence of a genuine American hero who fought in three wars and traces the history of the U.S. Air Force during its formative period. CHARLES L. BYLER is the author of After Nam: A Police Story. He lives in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. __________________________________________________________

Invocation – The Old Soldier’s Dream by R.C. Grinnellread last month by George Stiftinger

As I walked hillside trail to view a sunset of glorious hue, I saw a man ahead facing the orb of the dying day. As I approached, he smiled pensively, but stood straight and tall, his coat of military style. Then could I see that, indeed, he was of that ancient brotherhood’s creed. And so I asked him, with greatest respect, Soldier, old soldier, please tell me true, In wars’ terrible times were you there too? Through mists of memories he answered, speaking in tones of steel, Yes I was there – at Shiloh, bloody Shiloh, at Verdun, the Marne and Normandy, Bastogne, Okinawa, Seoul, Saigon and more – always more, he continued. His voice drifting away, but won’t it always be that those who know, but do not go. The old soldier faded into the golden sunset, leaving his dream, that someday those who know would learn enough to see when there is no need to send those who must go.
__________________________________________________________

Tuesday, Nov  21st, 2006   Merchant Marine Sailor John Corbett
Tuesday, Dec  19th, 2006 Battle in Stalingrad Mikhail Rabinovich
Tuesday, Jan 16th, 2007 Wars of my Life, book by…  Frank Senko
Programs are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 3:00PM and at 7:00PM. Please contact Brandon Traister at BrandonTraister@aol.com or 856-296-9256 if you have any ideas for future lectures at the Abington Township Library.Please note that we are not only looking for WWII Veterans, but also for veterans and survivors who lived and served during any armed conflicts to share their memories and experiences with our audience.
__________________________________________________________

Reservations for the Abington WWII Lecture Series Coordinator - Karen Burnham

There are many different ways to reserve a seat for a future lecture. You can reserve a seat online by e-mailing Karen Burnham at kburnham@mclinc.org or visiting the Abington Free Library website (*see web address below). You may reserve a seat by calling Karen Burnham at the Abington Free Library at 215-885-5180, extension 15. There is also a sign up sheet in the back of the room at each lecture. *http://abg.mclinc.org/calendar/WWIILS.htm.
__________________________________________________________

War Veterans Oral History Project   Founder – Brandon Traister

For those who still would like to participate without speaking to the public I invite you to share your experiences privately. Please contact Brandon Traister by phone at 856-296-9256 or by e-mail at Brandon.Traister@us.army.mil.
__________________________________________________________

Programs are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM at the Public Library on Pine St in Doylestown. If you have any ideas for future lectures please contact Kevin Brown at Kbrown@nni.com or 215-822-6601.