About this Event
Normandy: A Day That Changed the World
Join us for an unforgettable in-person event as we dive into the incredible story of Normandy — a day that truly changed history! Whether you're a history buff or just curious, come explore the events, heroes, and unforgettable moments that shaped the world. Don't miss out on this engaging experience!
Our panelists include:
Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., is a nationally known, award-winning author and military
historian in Wilmington, N. C. A Wilmington native, he grew up there during
World War II, which shaped his life, career, and attitudes.
He is a University of North Carolina history graduate, retired Navy captain, and
former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford. Mr. Jones
writes, lectures, and consults on World War II history and defense issues, and leads
North Carolina WWII history preservation projects. He previously led WWII
battlefield tours to the Pacific, Mediterranean, and Europe.
He has authored or co-authored 20 books, including 8 on World War II, and 2 on
wartime Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina.
Frank Stritter, professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill. He retired in 2003 after 32 years. He holds an undergraduate degree from St.
Lawrence University, a master’s from Colgate University, and a doctorate in
education from Syracuse University.
Stritter served in the United States Seventh Army in Germany from 1961 to 1963
and the US Army Reserve from 1963 to 1972. He separated from the active reserve
as a captain.
Brigadier General (Retired) Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., Last assignment was as Division
Commander for the First Infantry Division. Before that, he commanded the Combined Joint
Task Force–Horn of Africa (CJTF-HoA) for 17 Months. His prior assignments included
Director of Army Training on the Army’s G-3/5/7 staff, Deputy Commanding General of
Operations for the 1st Armored Division, Director Future Operations Cell, ISAF Joint
Commander in Afghanistan during the surge, Director of the Mission Command Center of
Excellence, and Director of the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) at Fort
Leavenworth. He also commanded the 3-3 ID Brigade Combat Team during the Surge in
Iraq, Commander 1-26 Infantry in Kosovo, and as a Company Commander of Bravo
Company 3-7 IN during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Since leaving the Army, General Grigsby has served as the Dean of Academics at St. John’s
Military School in Salina, Kansas. He was also an Associate Professor at the Georgia
Military Academy in Milledgeville, Georgia, where he taught History and Homeland
Security, and he also advised Land Forces, United Arab Emirates, on Training and Leader
Development.
General Grigsby received a Master of Strategic Studies from the National Defense
University and a Master of Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies in Kansas.
He is currently serving as Commander of the Calabash VFW Post 7288 and is President of
the Veterans Creative Arts Program based in Brunswick County, NC.
For questions, contact Gerald Decker [email protected] or 910-408-1934
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive, Leland, United States
USD 0.00
