Press Releases
Lowell Milken Center Announces 75th D-Day Anniversary Event Celebrating Andrew Jackson Higgins
Event to commemorate WWII amphibious boat mass-producer with new children's book "What If Higgins Had Given Up?" plus meet and greet with grandson
May 20, 2019
FORT SCOTT, Kan., – In observation of the 75th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday, June 6th, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) will host a free event for all ages from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. dedicated to little known hero Andrew Jackson Higgins at 1 South Main in Fort Scott, Kansas. Credited as instrumental to victory in World War II, Higgins devised and mass-produced amphibious boats for the U.S. Navy fleet that brought troops ashore at Normandy. Shining a light on Higgins' accomplishments, activities will include a debut book signing of "What If Higgins Had Given Up?" by author and educator Cathy Werling and a presentation by Skipper Higgins, grandson of Andrew Jackson Higgins.
As the fourth in a series of children's books featuring unsung heroes, Werling's "What If Higgins Had Given Up?" focuses on the importance of perseverance and how Higgins achieved his goals through determination. LMC celebrates Higgins' story alongside other unsung heroes in an effort to bring awareness to parents, students and communities about the power individuals have to make a positive impact.
"In the story of unsung hero Andrew Jackson Higgins, children see the powerful results that were possible in the life of someone who persevered through difficulties," said Werling. "Higgins' story can be a motivation for them not to give up when things seem hard, for in 'giving up' they also lose the chance to see their dreams realized."
Skipper Higgins, oldest living grandson of Higgins, and Jerry Meyer, founder of the Columbus, Nebraska Higgins Memorial, will give presentations and engage in conversation with attendees.
D-Day activities will include:
- 8 a.m. – Chamber of Commerce coffee
- 10 a.m. – Book signing by children’s book author and educator Cathy Werling
- 3 p.m. – Q&A with Skipper Higgins
- 4 p.m. – Wine and cheese
Any veteran (former or current member of the Armed Services) who attends the event will receive a free gift.
About LMC
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes was established in 2007 as a non-profit 501 © (3) and has been committed to transforming classrooms and communities through student-driven projects that discover Unsung Heroes from history and teach the power of one to create positive change. To date, LMC has reached over a million students and more than 10,000 schools across America and globally.
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Norm Conard,
Executive Director,
(620) 223-1312,
nconard@terraworld.net