Grandson to speak on Truman's legacy Sunday in Arlington Heights

It was 70 years ago that President Harry S. Truman ordered the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights will host a free event featuring Truman's oldest grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, exploring Truman, his place in history, and connections to today's issues and events.

The son of the late author Margaret Truman and her husband, former New York Times Managing Editor E. Clifton Daniel Jr., Clifton Truman Daniel, who lives in Chicago, will present his unique insights into who President Truman was as a person and a political figure.

"My grandfather, Harry S. Truman, ordered the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. Today, I count survivors of those bombings among my closest friends," he said. "How that came about involves a tiny piece of folded paper and a little girl who died two years before I was born."

Daniel will examine the legacy of his grandfather and convey his own personal journey related to these momentous events. He will share stories of his parents' and grandparents' remarkable lives, including the famous letters to Harry Truman from his wife, Bess. A time for questions will be moderated by George Drost.

Daniel is author of "Growing Up With My Grandfather: Memories of Harry S. Truman," and "Dear Harry, Love Bess: Bess Truman's Letters to Harry Truman 1919-1943." He is working on a book about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The church is at 302 N. Dunton Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a meet-and-greet with Daniel. For information, call (847) 255-5900, or visit www.fpcah.org.