Monday, January 10, 2011

Dick Winters of "Band of Brothers" dies


On January 2nd, Major Dick Winters passed away at the age of 92. Winters was veteran of World War II - known for his courage and his inspirational leadership.

Historian Stephen Ambrose interviewed Winters for his book Band of Brothers, and when HBO turned the book into a miniseries in 2001, Winters' exploits in World War II were prominently featured. When asked if he was a hero, Winters always maintained: "No...but I served in a company of soldiers."

Winters' death underscores a larger phenomenon in terms of how we remember World War II and the millions of men and women who served. As the Greatest Generation passes, it becomes even more important to keep the memory of World War II alive. The museums of the Virginia World War II Heritage Alliance are committed to this goal.