Photo by Roland Arhelger. Berlin Wall, 1988.
CAPE MAY – Join the Friends of the World War II Lookout Tower on Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m. at the Cape May Lutheran Church, 509 Pittsburgh Ave., for “Inside the Cold War,” an afternoon program that will focus on intelligence and espionage during the Cold War years: 1945 to 1991.
Guests will learn about the major events of the Cold War in a Power Point presentation, then listen to a panel of former Cold Warriors who will discuss their experiences and insights into the intelligence and espionage aspects of the decades-long conflict against Communism – and why America eventually prevailed in that effort. Panelists will include Ralph Serena, Pastor Jeffrey Elliott. Dr. Robert Heinly and formal Naval Intelligence officer Sam Hayes. .
The Friends will also be honoring area World War II veterans including those who volunteer in schools and senior centers for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) plus memorializing area World War II vets who have died in the past year. These events were originally scheduled for the Armed Forces Day Ceremony at the World War II Tower, which was cancelled due to weather.
Light refreshments will be served.
Admission is free for Friends of the World War II Tower, MAC members and staff, and veterans. Admission for the general public is $5.
For tickets or further information, call Bob Heinly at (609) 884-5404 ext. 134. Inquire about joining the Friends group and get discounted admission on future Friends events.
Adults are asked to bring a young person with them so the group can advance one of its primary goals, which is developing in the younger generation an understanding and appreciation of not only Cape May’s important role in World War II, but of the traits of patriotism, loyalty, and self-sacrifice so characteristic of the people of these war years.
The World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23), located on Sunset Boulevard, was used for spotting enemy ships during World War II and aiming guns for nearby coastal artillery fortifications. MAC restored the tower in 2008-09 and opened it to the public in April, 2009. Family members can honor loved ones through memorial plaques mounted permanently at the site. An All Veterans Memorial was dedicated at the Tower on May 19, 2012 and is open throughout the year for quiet contemplation. Armed Services Day is celebrated annually at the Tower in May. The next celebration will be on Saturday, May 20, 2017.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the World War II Tower, an affinity group of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). MAC is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org.