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/