World War II Veterans to Share Their Stories at Encino-Tarzana Library

A 91-year-old World War II veteran from Encino is scheduled to join two other war veterans on Thursday evening to tell stories about the Second World War at the Encino-Tarzana Library.

Art Sherman, the leader of a local World War II veterans group called Wings Over Wendys, will lead the library’s “Conversations with Heroes” program from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A bombardier with the 15th Air Force, Sherman survived 13 bombing missions. His former comrades who are expected to participate in Thursday’s program are Ben Berger, 92, and Dave Cohen, 88. Berger was the only U.S. Navy officer with the U.S. Army Rangers during the famous Normandy Beach landings on D-Day. Cohen was part of the infantry unit that liberated the Nazi concentration camps.

This will be the third installment of the Conversations with Heroes program. “The idea is to share stories about the [Second World] War with the community and to educate young people, many of whom know nothing about the war and the sacrifices of that generation,” Senior Librarian David Hagopian said.

The veterans will present their experiences from the war and take questions.

“The program has been very popular,” Hagopian said, adding: “We always get a great crowd—and folks are genuinely interested and very receptive and enthusiastic.”

Conversations with Heroes, Thursday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Encino-Tarzana Library, 18231 Ventura Blvd., (818) 343-1983