Exploring Truman's Legacy 70 Years After Atomic Bombings
Seventy years ago, President Harry S. Truman ordered the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On Sunday, November 8, First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights will host a free event featuring Truman's oldest grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, for a fascinating evening 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 will present his unique insights into who President Truman was as a person and a political figure during an historic time: "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. 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 in history. He will share stories of his parents' and grandparents' remarkable lives, including the famous letters to Harry Truman from his wife, Bess. The evening will also include a time for questions, moderated by George Drost, a local attorney involved in international relations and international law. A book signing by Daniel will take place at 8:30 pm. A limited number of Daniel's books will be available for sale.
Daniel is honorary chairman of the board of the Truman Library Institute, the nonprofit partner of the Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. He is the 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 currently at work on a book on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This free event is part of the Anniversary Speaker Series presented to enlighten and entertain the community on an occasional basis by First Presbyterian Church. First Presbyterian Church is at 302 N. Dunton Ave., near downtown Arlington Heights. Seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Call the church office for more information, at 847-255-5900, or visit www.fpcah.org.