American Saint Nick book signing & presentation
*The event has already taken place on this date: Tue, 11/10/2015
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Just in time for Veteran's Day - a book signing unlike any other! Author Peter Lion will read and discuss his new book. Also, we are privileged to have Pittsford resident, Richard Brookins, the real American Saint Nick, the GI featured in this story, at our signing. Please join us at this very special event.
“The kids here in town haven’t seen Saint Nicolas or Christmas . . . in almost five years. They don’t even know who Saint Nicolas is. And that’s just it. It’s the kids I really feel sorry for,” Stutz said, “No Christmas or anything for almost five years? Can you imagine? It’s nuts.”
In December 1944, a handful of American soldiers brought the holiday spirit back to the children of war-weary Wiltz, Luxembourg. It was Rochester's SIgnal Corpsman Richard Brookins who dressed as Saint Nick, with gifts and treats donated by soldiers from the 28th Infantry Division. Just ten days later, Wiltz was all but destroyed in the Battle of the Bulge, but during the years that followed they never forgot the generosity of their American Saint Nicolas and his GI buddies.
Those who survived searched for the American soldiers, in hopes of bringing them back to Wiltz again. Every year the residents of Wilz observe both St. Nicholas Day and the anniversary fo the visit from the American St. Nick. After more than thirty years, through a series of chance turns-of-events, the first American St. Nick was tracked down. This incredible true story of heroism and hope amidst the horror of war is an upliting holiday must-read that will inspire you to share kindness, even in the darkest times.
Author Peter Lion is a seven-time Emmy-winning television producer/director with a love for writing. The PBS film based on this story will premiere at "The Little" later this same day. Tue, 11/10/2015 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
WXXI's Veterans Connections is pleased bring you this film that tells the amazing true story of war, honor, luck and love.
On Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. WXXI and its Veterans Connections initiative, in conjunction with M&T Bank, are pleased to host a FREE screening ofAmerican St. Nick at the Little Theatre (Theatre 2). The documentary, produced by filmmaker Tim Gray, tells the remarkable true story of a handful of American soldiers who during the chaos of war, help bring Christmas back a small Luxembourg town, and unknowingly create a holiday tradition that continues to this very day. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the American St. Nick Richard Brookins, who is a Pittsford resident, documentarian Tim Gray, and American St. Nick author Peter Lion. Please note: Seats to the screening are first come, first served.
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