Eddie Willner (front row, second from right) survived nine concentration, labor, and internment camps, as well as two death marches. He and fellow inmate Mike Swaab (front row, far right) are shown here with members of the American tank company they encountered in April 1945. Eddie later served in the US Army, retiring as a major after 20 years. Courtesy of Albert Willner
Some American veterans fought for their lives along the beaches of Normandy. Some were among the first to witness the horrors as they liberated emaciated prisoners from concentration camps. And some even helped Holocaust survivors as they began to reclaim their lives. Now, 80 years after the D-Day invasion, their stories live on. Join us in collaboration with Arlington National Cemetery for a special digital program honoring the resilience, commitment, and courage of American veterans. Learn how their sacrifices inspired some Holocaust survivors to serve their new country.
Speakers
Rebecca Erbelding, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Allison S. Finkelstein, Senior Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
Remarks by
Albert Willner, son of Holocaust survivor and US Army veteran Eddie Willner
Moderator
Lindsay MacNeill, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
This virtual program is free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive the link to watch.
For more information, please contact calendar@ushmm.org.