History, Heroes, and Bipartisanship

History, Heroes, and Bipartisanship: What the Congressional Naming Commission Can Teach About our Past, Present, and Future

“What a timely and inspiring history. The word ‘hero’ is bandied about so often that it begins to lack real meaning. How fortunate that Seidule and Williams have helped restore full value to the real actions that define heroism, sacrifice, virtue, and honor.” —Ken Burns, award-winning documentarian and filmmaker

In 2021 and 2022, Middlebury lecturer and alum Connor Williams (Class of 2008.5) worked for Congress as Lead Historian on their bipartisan “Naming Commission,” tasked with ending Confederate commemorations across our Defense landscape. And he was also tasked with finding real American military heroes to replace them—ones so inspiring that they could secure unanimous support from the three Republicans, one Democrat, and four retired flag officers who served as commissioners.  Connor and the Commissioners were successful in their work, finishing on-time, under budget, and with broad bipartisan support.  All of their recommendations were accepted and enacted.

Williams will reflect on his experiences achieving bipartisan successes in our recent past, detail the new namesakes that the Commission selected, and explain what it all tells us about the power of the past to inspire our faith in the future. 

The Vermont Book Shop will have copies of Connor’s new book on his experience and the diverse examples of heroism that the Naming Commission elevated (A Promise Delivered) available for sale and signing immediately after the event.  Among other endorsements, historian Rick Atkinson has called it “A compelling, behind-the-scenes account…A Promise Delivered reveals how far this country has come in honoring those worthy of honor.” Conservative leader Max Boot has written that it is “exhilarating and fascinating…this is a book that should be read by anyone interested in U.S. military history-or history period.” And Democratic strategist James Carville has deemed it “a beacon of hope to a new generation of Americans.”

Sponsored by the History Department