80th Anniversary of D-Day Symposium
“D-Day + 80,” a symposium revisiting the greatest amphibious military campaign of the twentieth century convened on April 20, 2024, at Gettysburg College.
On the eve of the Symposium an historian and sponsor thank you dinner was held at the World War II American Experience Museum. It was followed by a Meet the Historians Reception for our donors at the one-star or higher level. The next morning, we met for a full-day program which included lectures by noted military historians including Dr. John C. McManus who spoke on The Americans at D-Day, Dr. Craig Symonds whose talk was entitled “The Navy Saved our Hides:” U.S. Naval Gunfire Support on D-Day, and David Eisenhower who presented Triumph and Tragedy – D-Day and Beyond. A panel featured presentations by Susan Eisenhower discussing Early Planning for Operation Overlord – Important but Little Remembered Leadership Decisions, Dr. Doug Douds who presented Operational Dilemma: The German Defense of Normandy, and Major General. William Matz who discussed Allied Airborne Operations in Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944.
After the formal presentations, participants were offered the options of viewing an hour-long educational film entitled D-Day at Pointe du Hoc narrated by David McCallum and introduced by Col. John Fenzel, CEO of the World War II Foundation or attending a walking tour entitled “The Great Crusade,” D-Day Casualties in the Gettysburg National Cemetery presented by Park Ranger Dan Vermilya. Guest speakers were also available to sign their books, many of which were for sale at the college bookstore.
The Symposium was co-sponsored by the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society and the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College and funded in part by generous grants from the Robert M. Lauman Foundation and Destination Gettysburg. Other partners included the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the World War II Foundation, the World War II American Experience Museum and Federal Pointe Inn. Thank you sponsors!
Photos from 80th Anniversary of D-Day Symposium
The World War II American Experience museum provided the perfect venue for the Historians and Sponsors Friday evening dinner and the Meet the Historians reception.
The World War II American Experience museum features the collection of Frank Buck, who recently passed away. His wife, Loni, welcomed guests and talked with Annie and Doug.
Michael talked with Pete, Liz and Adam amid the artifacts collected by Adam’s father at the World War II American Experience museum.
Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of General and Mrs. Eisenhower, spoke with nine-year-old James and his father, Frank.
Barbara, Susan, Wayne, David and Bob caught up. Wayne and Bob were schoolmates of David Eisenhower, when he attended public school in Gettysburg.
John, Marylou and Craig perused the exhibits.
Liz, Loni, Jody and Paul enjoyed the evening.
Paul, David, Bucky, John, Susan and Chris actively engaged in conversation.
College students who participate in Eisenhower Institute programs helped with registration. Guests also enjoyed a continental breakfast during registration.
Tracie Potts, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, welcomed everyone to the D-Day + 80 Symposium and spoke of the importance of remembering D-Day and the men who participated in the invasion.
Carol Hegeman, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Society, thanked sponsors and wecomed veterans, especially 100 year-old World War II veteran Howard Baroudi. Then she introduced Dr. John McManus.
Dr. John C. McManus’ talk on “The Americans at D-Day,” set the scene for the day’s presentations.
Dr. Michael Birkner, Gettysburg College history professor and Eisenhower Society trustee, introduced the panelists.
Susan Eisenhower, author and granddaughter of General and Mrs. Eisenhower, discussed “Early Planning for Operation Overlord – Important but Little Remembered Leadership Decisions.”
Dr. Doug Douds presented “Operational Dilemma: The German Defense of Normandy.”
Major General Bill Matz discussed “Allied Airborne Operations in Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944.”
Dr. Michael Birkner moderated as the panel participants answered questions from attendees.
Retired Colonel Tom Vossler, an Eisenhower Society trustee, introduced Dr. Craig Symonds.
Dr. Craig Symonds’ talk was entitled, “The Navy Saved our Hides:” U.S. Naval Gunfire Support on D-Day.
David Eisenhower, historian and grandson of General and Mrs. Eisenhower, presented “Triumph and Tragedy – D-Day and Beyond.”
At the end of the formal symposium program, Carol gave directions about the optional activities, thanked all for coming and wished them a safe trip home.