Loading Programs

Upcoming Programs

  • This program has passed.

This Business of Fighting – a Human Face on World War II

February 7, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Register

Join 25 others!

Loading gif

Already registered?

Use this tool to manage your registration.

Join us in a special program on Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m., at Canton Public Library featuring storyteller Arnie Pritchard, who brings us the story of his father’s time as a soldier in World War II.

Arnie Pritchard inherited the papers and letters found in a trunk after his dad died and, good historian that he is, began to piece together into a story his father’s experience in the front lines in Europe. Arnie, a Yale history major, has woven the facts of his father Tony’s service with Tony’s true reactions as he entered into combat for the first time, led men, and witnessed the collapse of the Nazi regime. With the flow of a good storyteller Arnie will bring to life Tony’s crawl through the freezing woods of the Ardennes under enemy fire, and the sight of desperate, escaping forced laborers wandering the roads of Germany. Immediately after war’s end Tony witnessed and wrote about large numbers of hopeful people whose lives had been ruined as they tried to find new homes in the UN refugee program.

Arnie is an experienced storyteller. His audiences report the presentation is ”excellent…as well as being informative, it was moving with just the right touch of humor. Veterans could identify with it, as well as non-veterans.” Another shares that it was “A powerful story, an empathetic point of view—I really appreciate that it informed me of military operations realistically and accepted (did not deny or dramatize) the human fear. Its honest perspective helps me have a broader understanding of what a person who does military service goes through…” A listener said, “Great program—perfect for anyone interested in World War II/history. Arnie really brings the period alive with his performance.”

The program is free. To join us, please register online on the library’s Upcoming Programs page or phone us at (860) 693-5800. If you have questions, please call/email Katie Bunn at the library, (860) 693-5800, or kbunn@townofcantonct.org.

Details

Date:
February 7, 2023
Time:
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Programs Category:

Organizer

Katie Bunn

Inclement weather policy: If Canton schools or afterschool activities are cancelled for weather-related reasons, so too are events for teens and children at the Canton Public Library. The library is often still open, please contact us with questions or concerns at 860.693.5800.

Canton Public Library • 40 Dyer Avenue • Canton, CT 06019 • 860-693-5800 • Fax 860-693-5804