Facebook LIVE! Veterans Day Conversation with a Living Legend

During the famous Battle of the Bulge in World War II, Army paratrooper Vince Speranza visited a fellow soldier who was laid up in a makeshift military hospital. His friend wanted a beer and Vince set out on the war-torn streets of Bastogne to find one. Little did Vince realize at the time this simple gesture would become the stuff of legend.

Sixty-five years after the battle, Vince returned to Bastogne and during a chance encounter at a pub, he discovered the story of his “beer run” for a friend had become a well-known local legend - there's even a Belgian-brewed beer to commemorate the story!

Join ALPLM Oral History Director Dr. Mark DePue as he welcomes Vince Speranza to a special Facebook LIVE! event, happening on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020 at 7pm Central Illinois on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page. You’ll learn how Vince’s life was transformed after that return visit to Bastogne. Since then, he’s been back every year for reunions, been feted around the world, and experienced countless adventures. Vince will be sharing stories and highlights of his life since that first return visit during this conversation with a living legend.

To watch this special Facebook LIVE! event on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page, just go to Facebook and open our page at the appointed time and scroll to the post highlighting the live event. Once you’re there, simply click on the image and watch the live video stream.