World War II Music and History Program
on the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (V.E.) Day
to be presented in Warner’s Town Hall
on May 8, 2015 at 7 pm
A free program of Songs and Stories from the War Years presented by “Rambin’ Richard” Kruppa, will be followed by a replay of the archived radio broadcast “Blue Network V.E. Day Broadcast from Warner, New Hampshire May 8, 1945” accompanied by slides from Warner Historical Society. Refreshments and discussion time will be provided.
On Friday May 8 at 7 pm the Warner Town Hall will be the location of a special 70th anniversary V.E. (Victory in Europe) Day program. The program will include a “replay” of the 1945 live radio broadcast of interviews with Warner residents from the very same location that was heard nationwide on the same date exactly 70 years ago.
The program will begin with Songs and Stories from the War Years presented and sung by musician “Ramblin’ Richard” Kruppa. His entertaining and informative program focuses on some of the most beloved songs of the World War II era, 1939-1945. Songs like “Bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” and “Harbor Lights." Richard not only sings the songs, accompanying himself on guitar, 5-string banjo, and baritone ukulele, but he tells their meaning, how they came to be, and their significance. The audience is welcome to sing along.
Learn the answers to questions, such as "What popular song was written in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor?" "What song was popular world-wide and thought to be from each country where it was popular?" and "What WW II-era song was a top hit written and recorded by a state governor?”
Richard Kruppa, known musically as “Ramblin’ Richard,” is a member of the New England Foundation for the Arts, and a retired professor from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
After a break for refreshments, the “Blue Network V.E. Day Broadcast from Warner N.H., May 8, 1945” will be played, accompanied by a slideshow of related images. This will be followed by a chance for discussion. The 20 minute broadcast is comprised of brief interviews with a selection of Warner residents of all ages and was transmitted nationwide as an example of “small town USA” reaction to the declared end of the War in Europe. The original vinyl recording was donated to the Pillsbury Free Library by John P.H. ‘Jack’ Chandler Jr., and was later transferred to CD by Parrot Creek Productions of Warner.
The event is sponsored by Pillsbury Free Library, Warner Historical Society, American Legion Post 39, and Mountain View Senior Center. For more information contact the library at 456-2289, www.warner.lib.nh.us
