Historical society program: Stories of World War II Veterans

COXSACKIE― On Wednesday, November 11, the Greene County Historical Society welcomes speakers Ron Gabriele and Richard Muggeo to the Vedder Research Library for a special program, “Stories of World War II Veterans.”

Through a series of fascinating stories and historical insights, Gabriele and Muggeo will take attendees on a journey through World War II, beginning with the attack on Pearl Harbor and concluding with Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945.

The presentation will explore little-known facts about the battleship USS Arizona, reveal who fired the first American shots of World War II, and introduce the first ace of the U.S. Navy. Attendees will also learn about the Battle of the Java Sea and a surprising irony associated with that naval engagement. The program will feature stories about General George S. Patton, one of America’s most celebrated military leaders of the war, before concluding with an account of the surrender ceremonies aboard the battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay.

The program begins at 7 p.m. in the reading room of the Greene County Historical Society’s Vedder Research Library, located on the grounds of the Bronck Museum at 90 County Route 42 in Coxsackie. The suggested donation for the program is $10.