"THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR: THE RUSSO-GERMAN WAR 1941 –1945"
DR. GEORGE REKLAITIS
MILITARY HISTORIAN, AUTHOR, BROOKDALE PROFESSOR
The German invasion of the Soviet Union, launched in 1941 and finally defeated in 1945, would be unlike any war ever waged, not only in regards to the vast number of people and machines involved, but also because of the brutality rendered and the genocide that was its result. World War II is seen as a watershed moment in Soviet/Russian history, like it is seen as a defining moment in American history. Unlike in America, however, the historical memory of the war has been greatly whitewashed, so that even today, Russian veterans’ accounts follow the accepted Soviet-approved version. This presentation addresses the way the war has been presented and remembered over the years in Soviet and Russian society, as well as in the West, and considers how social memory can serve to distort history. Come and learn what really did happen on the “Eastern Front.” Tuesday, February 16, 7:30pm -9:30pm, Navesink I, Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $12 adults, $5 students, Brookdale students free, XWWTS 211
"THE ARMY’S ORPHANS: THE U.S. ARMY REPLACEMENT SYSTEM"
DR. ERIC KLINEK
MILITARY HISTORIAN, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
During World War II, the U.S. Army lacked a strategic reserve and was therefore unable to rotate entire divisions into and out of combat. It opted instead to send poorly-trained, inexperienced replacements to replenish the ranks of combat-active units. Consequently, unit cohesion and morale decreased while casualties increased. The Army never systematized its replacement policy, deferring instead to individual units to devise their own procedures. Though certain units proved quite effective in integrating new men into their ranks, this presentation will describe how the “90 Division Gamble” and the Army’s replacement system reduced the overall combat effectiveness of U.S. infantry divisions and increased the cost of the European campaign in time and manpower. Thursday, March 11, 7:30pm -9:30pm, Navesink I, Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $12 adults, $5 students, Brookdale students free, XWWTS 212
"THE CODE TALKERS"
JESS LE VINE
PROFESSOR AND NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORIAN
BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
They were a small band of warriors who created an unbreakable code from the ancient language of their people and changed the course of the history of World War II. Known as Navajo Code Talkers, they were young Navajo men who transmitted secret communications on the battlefields of WW II at a time when America's best cryptographers were falling short. These modest Indian sheepherders and farmers fashioned the most ingenious and successful code in military history just when it was needed. Serving with distinction in every major engagement of the Pacific theater from 1942-1945, their unbreakable code played a pivotal role in saving countless lives and hastening the war’s end. In particular, they drew upon their proud warrior tradition to brave the dense jungles of Guadalcanal and the exposed beachheads of Iwo Jima. Come and hear Professor Le Vine relate their amazing story.
Tuesday, March 23, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Navesink I, Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $12 adults, $5 students, Brookdale students free, XWWTS 213
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: DOWN MELODY LANE"
MUSICIAN BARRY ROSENZWEIG
SINGER SUSAN SEAMAN
PERFORMING THE BROADWAY MUSIC OF WORLD WAR II
“Down Melody Lane,” a musical duo, who have performed throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties, will present an interactive performance and lecture that will explore the music and history of the Broadway Musical in the key decades of the 1930s through the 1950s. Learn how music defined the war era society and, in turn, was defined by it. Come join the musical duo “Down Melody Lane” and sing and learn and have fun. A program for all ages. Forties style dress encouraged!
Tuesday, April 27, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Navesink I, Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $12 adults, $5 students, Brookdale Students free. XWWTS 214
"WOMEN PILOTS OF WORLD WAR II"
FEATURING BERNICE “BEE” FALK HAYDU
WW II WOMEN AIR FORCE SERVICE PILOT, RECIPIENT OF THE
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDALR.
Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu began her training as a Women Air Force Service Pilot (WASP) in 1944. Assigned to ferrying combat aircraft around the nation, pilots like “Bee” flew military fighters, trainers, and bombers from factories to air bases where they were handed over to combat crews. Flying in all weather, they displayed heroism and sacrifice to get the job done. Come and hear her discuss how women pilots were recruited and trained, their contributions in World War II, and why they were eventually disbanded. She will also discuss how the WASPs finally received recognition as veterans in 1977, and have been recently honored as recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal.
Tuesday, May 4, 7:30pm -9:30pm, Navesink I, Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $12 adults, $5 students, Brookdale students free, XWWTS 215
