Friends of the National World War II Memorial

Haydn Williams World War II Memorial Legacy Lecture Conference

"The Victors: The 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II"
August 13–14, 2025 | Washington, DC

Join Friends of the National World War II Memorial for a powerful two-day conference marking eight decades since the Allied victory in World War II - the deadliest conflict in human history.

The Victors explores how triumph was secured across both the European and Pacific theaters, tracing the military, political, and moral decisions that shaped the final chapters of the war. Through expert-led presentations and moving commemorations, we will honor the men and women who secured freedom for the world.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Location: Military Women's Memorial & Arlington National Cemetery

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast & Welcome

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Alex Kershaw: “George S. Patton and the Road to Allied Victory”

10:10 – 11:10 a.m.
Dr. Craig Symonds: “The End Game Europe: Battle of the Bulge”

11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Richard Frank: “A Moral Meditation on the End of the Asia Pacific War”

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Book Signings

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Guided Tour of Arlington National Cemetery

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Location: Military Women's Memorial & World War II Memorial

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Craig Symonds: “The End Game Pacific: Invasion vs Blockade”

10:10 – 11:10 a.m.
Richard Frank: “Japanese Leadership and the End of the War”

11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Alex Kershaw: “Why We Fought: The Odyssey of One U.S. Liberator from Sicily to Dachau”

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Book Signings

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Tour of the World War II Memorial & Remembrance Ceremony

Register & Pay NowRegister for Virtual Attendance

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