SOUTH BERWICK –
America is losing World War II veterans at a rate of 1200 a day. Several veterans of this war who live in and near South Berwick will take part in a panel discussion at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 20 at Berwick Academy.
Moderated by Ernie Wood of South Berwick, panelists will share experiences and photos of the war and the era in which they and our country came of age. The discussion was put together as part of the Old Berwick Historical Society’s monthly lecture series.
Representatives of the US Army, Navy, Marines, Merchant Marine, and Air Force will share stories and answer questions about the challenging times in which they lived and served. These veterans that have been called the “greatest generation” and this panel will give audience members a glimpse of why.
Among those invited are Bob Perham, former teacher in the Marshwood school district; Phil Lawrence, who was interviewed by Tom Brokaw of NBC news; Franklin West, who served in both theatres; Charles Colwell, who served under General George Patton; Paul Colburn, who served in the Merchant Marine and traveled the Atlantic and the Pacific, and Tom Keelty, who knew most of the South Berwick young people who served during WWII as he did.
Moderator Wood indicated that “time is running out to hear, honor, and bear witness to those who history has rightfully labeled the ‘greatest generation’”.
The program will be held upstairs in Berwick Academy’s Fogg Memorial building on Academy Street. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served by volunteers. This program is part of the Old Berwick Historical Society’s 2008 series of talks, walks, and historical events. The series, supported by a grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank, includes seven monthly Thursday presentations, all starting at 7:30 pm at Berwick Academy, as well as other local history events around South Berwick, including the society’s Counting House Museum.
FMI: On all the Old Berwick Historical Society’s programs, info@obhs.net, or call 207-384-0000.
Caption: Albert Jalbert, James Doherty and Donat Parent stand before the roll of honor in South Berwick ceremony, November 1, 1944. (Courtesy photo)
