In honor of Veteran’s Day, author Jeffrey R. DeWitt discusses his new book, “Connecticut Military Heroes of the Battle of Iwo Jima”, on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 2pm at the Weston History & Culture Center, 104 Weston Road in Weston, CT. Event is FREE but registration is recommended as space is limited. Register at: www.WestonCTHistory.org. Walk-ins welcome too.
This year marks the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Author Jeff DeWitt’s illustrated slide lecture will discuss the history of the battle and its importance in winning the war in the Pacific theater. His talk will highlight some 100 Connecticut residents who lost their lives in the battle as well as the significance and history of the Iwo Jima Memorial in New Britain, Connecticut. DeWitt’s new book, “Connecticut Military Heroes of The Battle of Iwo Jima” will be for sale at the event. All proceeds from the book sales go to the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation in New Britain. The lecture will conclude with a short Q & A and book signing. Guided tours of the Coley House, which represents life on the home front during World War II, will be available after the lecture.
About the presenter: Jeffrey DeWitt is a 26-year United States Air Force veteran who retired in the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the top 1% of all enlisted grades. His medals include the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 6 oak leaf clusters. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Historian for the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation based in Connecticut. For his work for the foundation, he was selected for the 2022 Veterans Public Service Award for Excellence from Central Connecticut State University. He is a life member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has served in various VFW positions in two states at the post and district levels. In 2024, he was presented with the Department of Connecticut American Legion’s Americanism Award. He is the 57th recipient in 69 years since the award’s inception. In addition, he was presented with the Herbert L. Emanuelson Plaque which is awarded annually to the individual Legionnaire who rendered the most outstanding contributions to Community Service.
The Weston Historical Society D/B/A The Weston History and Culture Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. WHCC would like to thank its benefactors: the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust and the Twenty-Seven Foundation. It would also like to thank its annual sponsors: Fairfield County Bank, KMS Team at Compass, and Pullman & Comley. For more information and to donate, visit www.WestonCTHistory.org or email: info@westoncthistory.org or call: 203-226-1804.
