Something about tonight program. We have our partner the Westport Historical society. It is my pleasure to introduce tonight author Tom Schachtman. We couldnt be more thrilled to host tom as he discusses his new book how the french saved america. I now to support and the marquis to lafayette were only part of frances occupation to american success against england. In how the french saved america, Tom Schachtman makes a convincing case that without france, the United States may never have gained its independence. To the rebuilding colonies, french assistance made the difference between looming defeat and eventual triumph. This aid however is often downplayed in histories retelling of events as we often like to think of our forefathers as having achieved independence all by themselves. Even before the declaration of independence was issued, king louis the xvi and French Foreign minister were aiding the rebels. After the declaration of independence, that assistance would include things li
Hear from our first speaker, mark riebling. Mark is a fellow in 20th century history and a lecturer in holocaust and genocide studies at georgetown university. Previously, he was cofounder and Research Director of the nypd center for policing terrorism and Research Director of the Manhattan Institute for policy research. His book wedge the secret war between the cia and the fbi has provided the program for seven assorted congressional committees and blueribbon panels. He has written for numerous publications, the New York Times and the guardian among them. Mark will present on his book church of spies the popes secret war against hibbler. Against hitler. I would like you to give mark a very warm welcome. Thank you. Mr. Riebling good morning. Can you hear me ok . Thank you. Many thanks to the Baptist Community ministries for bringing us here this morning. Im going to talk to you about one of the alltime great remaining historical controversies about the Second World War in europe, so if