The National WWII Museum Announces “Band of Brothers” 20th Anniversary Symposium

NEW ORLEANS (December 17, 2021) – The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is honored to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the “Band of Brothers” miniseries by hosting a daylong symposium on Saturday, January 8, 2022. Presented by Hancock Whitney, the sold out, in-person symposium, which will be live-streamed and available for audiences to watch online free of charge, will bring members from the cast and crew together on stage to reflect on their experiences, share unique insights and provide behind-the-scenes commentary. Family members of the famed Easy Company veterans will also participate in a session on the lasting legacy of their loved ones.

New Orleans and the Museum are the ideal locations for this milestone anniversary event because in 1988, WWII Easy Company veterans held their reunion in the Big Easy, and it was attended by historian, author and Museum founder Stephen Ambrose. The conversations he had during that reunion, along with the subsequent interviews he conducted with the veterans, formed the basis for Ambrose’s best-selling book “Band of Brothers,” which was published in 1992. Nine years later, the HBO/Playtone miniseries “Band of Brothers” brought the story of Easy Company to millions of viewers. In the 20 years since its premiere on September 9, 2001, the men of Easy Company have become world famous, with their actions recounted and steps retraced from England to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.

“My great friend Steve Ambrose was not only one of the world’s leading experts on World War II but also a gifted storyteller who could make history come alive through the eyes of the individuals who experienced it,” said Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, PhD., President & CEO Emeritus at The National WWII Museum. “Through the ‘Band of Brothers’ book and miniseries, the pivotal battle of D-Day was humanized in a way that forever changed how Americans viewed the war and those who fought it.”

A few of the featured speakers and presenting cast (subject to change) will include James Madio (T/4 Frank Perconte), Michael Cudlitz (Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman), Frank John Hughes (Sgt. “Wild Bill” Guarnere), Ross McCall (T/5 Joseph “Joe” Liebgott) and Shane Taylor (T/4 Eugene “Doc” Roe).

“‘Band of Brothers’ is truly a timeless piece of cinematic history,” said Madio. “I am awed that 20 years have passed since the cast first met and yet our friendships continue to grow and strengthen. I admire my fellow actors for their dedication and integrity in representing the men of Easy Company. To this day, I am humbled by my role of portraying Frank Perconte and consider it to be the greatest honor of my career. I so look forward to the cast reuniting and can think of no better place to have the 20th anniversary celebration than at The National WWII Museum.”

The “Band of Brothers” 20th Anniversary Symposium is presented by Hancock Whitney and generously supported by Ryan Adkerson, HBO, Galerie de Galatoire, Craig and Ann McDonald, Lubbock, Texas, Richard D. Thacker, Robert V. Siebel, Camryn Batchelor and the Ragan, Rosenberger, Miller Family.

“The extraordinary courage and the strong spirit of the generation featured in “Band of Brothers” changed the course of history for the United States and the rest of the world,” said John Hairston, Hancock Whitney president and CEO. “We are honored to support the 20th anniversary of the miniseries as we reflect on the experiences and time it captured.”

For more information on the “Band of Brothers” 20th Anniversary Symposium or to register for the virtual program, visit ww2conference.com or call 504-528-1944 X511. 

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