Screening of Burns’ series planned
Emporia State University
Originally published 01:16 p.m., October 25, 2007
Updated 01:16 p.m., October 25, 2007
Taking advantage of rekindled interest from the recent Ken Burns PBS series, “The War,” members of Emporia’s World War II Roundtable are inviting the public to a panel discussion on the final years of the war in the Pacific. The Roundtable’s fall meeting will take place Nov. 5 in the Kanza Room of Emporia State University’s Memorial Union.
Three soldiers who fought on land, sea, and in the air will recount their experiences. Marine Cpl. Richard E. McCoy of Emporia , Navy Torpedoman 3rd Class John “Jack” Greer of Emporia and Army Air Force Sgt. Walter Zumbrum of Americus will speak during the panel discussion.
A wartime movie with an Emporia connection will also be screened as part of the Roundtable’s activities. The movie, “They Were Expendable,” will be shown at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in ESU’s Plumb Hall Room 408.
“They Were Expendable” is the story of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, and is told in a book written by Emporia’s William Lindsay White, son of William Allen White. The 1945 film stars John Wayne, Ward Bond, Robert Montgomery and Donna Reed.
Admission to all Roundtable meetings is free, and the public is invited to attend the movie screening. World War II Roundtable sponsors include the ESU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, ESU’s Department of Social Sciences, Pi Gamma Mu social science honor society, Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, and the Lyon County Historical Society and Museum.
For more information, contact Christopher Lovett, ESU professor of social sciences, at 620-341-5577, or email clovett@emporia.edu.