Echoes of Valor - The Battle of Gettysburg and Gela’s WWII Legacy

In honor of Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Way Back When show explores two pivotal military history destinations—Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Gela, Sicily—revealing the powerful stories they hold and the enduring human cost of war.

Author and military historian Mir Bahmanyar shares the gripping history of Gela, the first European city liberated during World War II. Hear his recent interview with us covering his acclaimed book "The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/mir-bahmanyar-the-houdini-club/ 

Author Matthew Langdon Cost delves into Gettysburg and the heroic efforts of Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine during the Civil War’s most decisive battle, depicted in his historical novel "At Every Hazard: Joshua Chamberlain and the Civil War. "

 

More than a look back, this conversation invites listeners to visit these historic places, reflect on the profound human sacrifices made, and gain a deeper appreciation for both soldiers and civilians affected by war.

Learn more about our guests:

-- Mir Bahmanyar: https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/

-- Matthew Langdon Cost: https://www.mattcost.net/

Chapters:

00:00 – Honoring Sacrifice: Memorial Day Reflections

03:05 – The Human Cost of War

06:01 – Patriotism and Personal Choices

09:08 – The Impact of War on Society

12:13 – Documenting the Stories of War

15:04 – The Houdini Club: Tales of Resilience

23:40 – Exploring Sicily's Historical Significance

28:01 – The Dark Side of Technology and Warfare

30:20 – The Power of Technology for Good

32:10 – Introduction to Gettysburg and Joshua Chamberlain

35:22 – The Pivotal Role of Joshua Chamberlain

41:04 – The Importance of Historical Memory

46:01 – The Significance of Gettysburg Today

 

Listen to more episodes of Way Back When: https://way-back-when-history.podbean.com/