34th Annual Symposium “1942: The Perilous Year”
Ahhh, September!!!!
There are three things I look forward to in September.
First, (American) football-college and pro. You never know how things are going to turn out. (Ask LSU about that missed extra point the other day!)
Second, the prospect of cooler weather. Here in Texas, we usually get a cool(er) front through about the third week of September which breaks the heat. Still have a way to go for that. But it’s coming.
Third, The annual symposium held at my favorite museum, the Museum of the Pacific War on September 17th in Fredericksburg, Texas. This year will be the 34th and I’ve attended ten or twelve of them, most with my good friend, Gene. This year they are offering a hybrid format which means you can attend in person or online. Gene and I will be there in person.
I’m excited about this year’s topic, “1942: The Perilous Year,” as one of the topics of my book, “Heroes By the Hundreds: The Saga of the USS Franklin,” is to put the events of March 19, 1945 in the big picture. Part of that big picture is to discuss the strategies used by the US and the Japanese and to discuss how those strategies evolved over time. In that sense, 1942 is not only a “perilous” year, but a crucial one in terms of strategy and tactics.
The evening before the symposium there will be a dinner honoring the late James Hornfischer, noted author of “Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors,” “The Fleet at Flood Tide,” and many others. As a fan of his many books, I’ll be there as well. I understand authors Craig Symonds and Richard B. Frank will be there as well and probably presenting the next day.
If you are interested in the history of World War II in the Pacific, I encourage you to attend “1942 The Perilous Year,” even if online. If you’ll be there in person, look me up and say hello.