Author Event: "Returning the Sword" by Caren Stelson

Overview

Join for an event featuring award-winning author Caren Stelson and her book Returning the Sword, as well as a panel discussion connecting the book's themes to Minnesota and the present day.

Returning the Sword shares the story of a WWII American Marine Veteran, Orval Amdahl, one of the first soldiers into Nagasaki after Japan’s surrender as part of the U.S. occupying force. As did many officers, Captain Amdahl brought back a Japanese sword as a war souvenir. For sixty-seven years, the sword haunted Orval: what should he do about the nagging voice in his mind and heart to find a way to return the sword? While researching a book about survivors of the Nagasaki atomic bomb, Caren and Orval's experiences converged. Together with the St. Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee, a soldier’s last wish came true. Returning the Sword tells the overarching story of war, peace and a pathway to reconciliation and friendship that reached across the Pacific and flew around the world. It’s a story that can touch all of us, no matter how old we are.

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Visiting Historic Fort Snelling's exhibits or touring the historic fort requires site admission.