In observance of this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) invites the WVU community and the public to honor both this momentous anniversary and West Virginia Day on June 20 at 2 p.m. in the Milano Reading Room of the Downtown Library in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Join the History Center for an afternoon of stories about a revered Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, the opening of a new exhibit about West Virginian veterans during World War II and cake to celebrate West Virginia’s birthday.
Corporal Hershel "Woody" Williams from Fairmont, West Virginia.
Keynote speaker Bryan Casey, grandson of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams and co-founder of the Woody Williams Foundation, will discuss Williams’ life and legacy. Williams was a West Virginia veteran known for his devotion to duty and service — both on and off the battlefield — who dedicated his post-military work to fellow service members, veterans and their families. His relentless commitment to his community led to the creation of the Woody Williams Foundation, which is responsible for establishing 144 Gold Star Families Memorials Monuments across the United States to date, with more underway.
"As a grandson of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams — a true West Virginia war hero — it is a tremendous honor to share his legacy during this year’s celebration of West Virginia’s 162nd birthday and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II,” said Casey. “From the moment President Abraham Lincoln signed Proclamation 100, West Virginians have stood ready to serve — and my grandfather Woody Williams embodied that spirit with unwavering devotion to duty, country and community.”
From the moment President Abraham Lincoln signed Proclamation 100, West Virginians have stood ready to serve — and my grandfather Woody Williams embodied that spirit with unwavering devotion. Bryan Casey, co-founder, Woody Williams Foundation
Following the event, the History Center will remain open for guests to be among the first to explore the new exhibit, “West Virginians in World War II: In Their Own Words,” which features the experiences of West Virginian veterans during World War II through the WVRHC’s archives. Centered around their own words, the exhibit will be on display through May 22, 2026 for all to visit and learn more about the stories of West Virginians who fought during WWII.
For more information, contact WVRHC Director Lori Hostuttler at lori.hostuttler@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-1116.