America prepares for War

More stories from the Greatest Generation will be coming soon, so check back later for updates.

February 12, 2026
1 PM

Catherine will share stories of love letters, letters that bound family and friends together during the turbulent years of World War II. Soldier’s letters to sweethearts and wives. Letters to Dear Mom and Dad. A mother’s letters to her son serving over there. Letters Rosie the Riveter wrote to their Favorite soldier boy. All letters straight from the heart.

Confederate Relic and Military History Museum
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina

A screening of the documentary, Rohna Classified, followed by a discussion of the tragedy. The letters between Eva Lee Brown and her younger brother, Lt . William Brown, chronicle the Rohna disaster and Lt. Brown’s survival and return to the battlefield in the War.

Bedford Playhouse
633 Old Post Road, Bedford, New York

The historic Bedford Playhouse will host the D Day screening of Rohna Classified. And honor the five sons of Westchester County who died in the disaster. Following the screening, Producer and Director, Jack Ballo, will discuss his family’s connection to the Rohna and the creation of the documentary. Catherine Ladnier and Barbara Ballo will share their family’s story. Catherine’s uncle survived the disaster while Barbara’s uncle perished. Audience is encouraged to share their stories of service and sacrifice.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA

The Museum will host the screening of Rohna Classified as it honors the maritime heritage of the Pacific Coast. California lost 36 sons in the sinking of the Rohna. Following the screening, there will be a talkback with family and friends of those who served.

The Greenwich Historical Society
Veteran’s Day Commemoration

The Greenwich Historical Society will host the screening of the documentary, Rohna Classified.  Rohna Classified chronicles the worst at sea disaster in American History.  On November 26, 1943, the Rohna, a British troopship, was hit by a new weapon of war – a radio-controlled, rocket guided missile.  More than 1,000 American soldiers were killed.  Classified by President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the Rohna disaster remains unknown to history.

Producer and Director, Jack Ballo, will share his family’s story of the Rohna and the production of the documentary.  Catherine, the niece of a Rohna survivor, will share the story of John Campbell Moore, a native of Greenwich who was killed in the attack.

The commemoration will honor the other sons of Connecticut who died on the Rohna.  Connecticut lost 16 sons, five of the sons were from Fairfield County.

For additional information, please visit the Greenwich Historical Society at www.greenwichhistory.org/veterans-filmscreening

301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
Find on Map

April 26, 2024
Noon

Catherine will tell the story of a Jewish soldier who served in Europe in WWII.
Website: https://www.crr.sc.gov

May 13, 2023 from 11:00 to 12:00

Catherine will honor the women who threw off their aprons, put on overalls and picked up the drill. She will share the stories of the Rosies who wrote to Harry, her father.

Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park
1414 Harbour Way #3000, Richmond CA

May 13, 2023 from 2:00 to 3:00

Catherine will tell the story of the young Chinese and Japanese American women who found a welcoming home. These Asian Americans would go on to contribute to their country, fighting for equality and justice.

Reinhardt House, Mills College
5000 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland CA

Confederate Relic and Military History Museum
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina

FIND ON MAP

Remember the sinking of the Rohna on November 26, 1943. Catherine will tell the story of the Rohna.

Pass Historical Society
201 East Scenic Drive
Pass Christian, Mississippi
FIND ON MAP

October 17, 2022 7PM

Mississippi lost 13 sons in the sinking of the Rohna November 26, 1943. The Historical Society will honor these young soldiers. Catherine will tell the story of the Rohna. Pass Christian was named for her ancestor, Nicholas Christian Ladnier.