Road Scholars: The Journey of Mollie's War: WACs and WWII
A Road Scholar Program by Cyndee Schaffer
November 6, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. CT
Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
Members of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) were the first women other than nurses to serve overseas in World War II. Cyndee Schaffer’s mother, Mollie Weinstein Schaffer, was one of them.
Drawing upon excerpts from Mollie’s letters written home during the war, this presentation provides a romantic, yet frightful, glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history. It details Mollie’s experiences from basic training in Florida in October 1943 to the dramatic moment when the Statue of Liberty came into view upon her return in November 1945. It traces the footsteps of the women who served in Europe, following Mollie and her fellow WACs who were stationed in London, England before D-Day and during the post D-Day German buzz bomb attacks.
The WACs were transferred to Normandy, and then to Paris after its liberation by the Allies. After VE Day (Victory in Europe), they served in Versailles. Finally, they traveled to Frankfurt, Germany, as part of the Army of Occupation and witnessed firsthand the devastation of that country before returning to the United States.
This presentation will invite contemplation of the vital and varied roles that women have fulfilled in the American military.
This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact David Ruffin at deruff1@hotmail.com.
ETHNIC HERITAGE MUSEUM COVID-19 POLICY
As of this date, masks are strongly recommended but not required. However, due to uncertainty of the virus and CDC guidelines, that requirement may change.