The VBC is partnering with the Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable to welcome WWII pilot Alan Shapiro, age 101, for an evening of storytelling on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7pm ET at the American Legion Post 272 near Harrisburg, PA. This will be an in-person presentation at the post (5700 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA), open to the public, and will also be live-streamed on the VBC’s Zoom, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. It will also be available on the Roundtable’s YouTube channel.
Whether you live in Central Pennsylvania and can join us in Harrisburg or are tuning in from anywhere around the world, your participation helps keep the stories of the Greatest Generation alive for future generations.
Alan Shapiro began his military journey as an 18-year-old pilot in 1944, flying the iconic Douglas C-47 Skytrain with the 316th Troop Carrier Group, 37th Troop Carrier Squadron in the European Theatre. He fllew critical troop and cargo transport missions supporting Allied operations across Europe and participated in airborne resupply and evacuation missions during the Battle of the Bulge. He also took part in Operation Varsity (March 1945), the largest single-day airborne assault of the war, securing a key foothold across the Rhine River into Germany.
The Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable is a vibrant community and non-profit that brings together veterans, historians, students, and community members to explore, preserve, and discuss the history of World War II. Through lectures, film screenings, discussions, and community events, the Roundtable keeps alive the voices and lessons of the Greatest Generation. Their monthly meetings are free of charge and feature speakers, mostly WWII veterans and authors, on topics relevant to WWII. Attendance ranges from 150-350 participants. Meetings are open to all, no membership is required.
