Pathways of Patriots at Wenham Museum

Wenham, MA - This spring and summer, the nonprofit Wenham Museum is creating a series of discussions that will allow speakers and attendees to share the experience of military service history, life learning and the impact on citizenship and American culture.

The kickoff of Pathways of Patriots: Personal Reflections on Commitment, Combat, and Citizenship is an all-day event on Sunday, May 15.

The exclusive event includes lunch, deserts and snacks included with paid ticket admission.

For Pathways Of Patriots, all day part one and two on May 15, sponsorship and tickets, reply online at www.wenhammuseum.org/POPtickets.

For a brochure or questions: Email peter.gwinn@wenhammuseum.org or call 978.468.2377 Ext. 127

The first part of the program during the morning is “A Call To Action” focusing on Americans in World War II.

The Wenham Museum is proud to host some of the few remaining American WWII veterans of the European Campaign and the War in the Pacific. These patriots served during the “Battle of the Bulge” in Belgium; survived captivity in a German POW camp; experienced brutal aerial combat over France and Germany; got shot down, and evaded capture by the Gestapo; suffered wounds on Okinawa; and saw the American flag rise on Iwo Jima.

The discussions will begin with life before service during the Great Depression; a look at family life and attitudes towards foreign events, and the rise of Fascism overseas; and how America changed after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Conversations among the veterans will include reflections about their experiences during training, and about preparing for the unknown; the challenges, excitement, and fears they experienced during combat; and the realities of daily life as a soldier in occupied Europe and the islands of the Pacific.

During the afternoon, the focus shifts to “Bring The Fight To Them," with Americans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2001-16.

The guest speakers during this portion of the program were recognized for service by their country during engagements in Sadr City, Marjah, Fallujah, Kunduz Province, and many others.