Presenter: Tami Biddle, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor and Distinguished Fellow, US Army War College

Location: Cumberland County Historical Society

Social Hour: 6 - 6:30 pm, Lite fare and beverages offered

Program: 6:30- 8:30 pm

The Allied air attack on the city of Dresden in February 1945 became one of the most controversial events of the Second World War. It raised questions even before the war ended, and its history and meaning are still discussed today. It has weighed heavily on the Anglo-American conscience, and it continues to have relevance for contemporary discussions about escalation, civilian casualties, and refugees in warfare.

Of note, Kurt Vonnegut, author of “Slaughterhouse-Five”, who survived time as a Nazi POW and the firebombing of Dresden, possibly suffered from serious combat trauma directly caused by his experience during and after the bombing.