2008 Symposium
The New Battlefield
The challenges faced by those in the front lines of Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans is the subject of the 2008 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium.
Featuring distinguished guest Drew Dix, Medal of Honor recipient and author of The Rescue of River City
2008 Symposium
Overview
The mission of the Colby Symposium is to expose students, faculty, and the general public to the works and views of authors, historians, journalists and national figures to educate, enlighten and inspire.
Founded in 1996 by Carlo D’Este, W.E.B Griffin, and Ambassador William E. Colby, and renamed in the latter’s memory in 1997, the Colby Symposium has brought more than 50 top authors, historians, and filmmakers to Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., for a two-day residency to participate in open forums, lectures and other related functions.
Authors/Participants
Symposium participants in recent years include such notables as W.E.B. Griffin, Carlo D’Este, Tom Clancy, Stephen Coonts, Mark Bowden, Harold Coyle, Philip Caputo, Winston Groom, Ralph Peters, Dale Brown, Frank Sesno, Russell Weigley, Lewis Sorley, General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret.), General Al Gray USMC (Ret.), John Katzenbach, Geoffrey Perret and Marvin Kalb.
National Press Club
In 1998, the symposium established a partnership with the Eric Friedheim Library of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to co-produce events at the press club for area alumni, club members and the general public.
About Ambassador Colby
Ambassador Colby was a longtime friend of Norwich University, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service in 1992. He authored two important books, “Lost Victory: A Firsthand Account of America’s Involvement in Vietnam” and “Honorable Men — My Life in the CIA.” He was a decorated World War II veteran who served with the OSS in World War II and later with the CIA. From 1951–1962, Colby served with the American Embassies in Stockholm, Rome, and Saigon. He was Ambassador and Deputy to the Commander of the U.S. Military Assistance Command Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. Colby served as Director of the CIA from 1973–76. In honor of his commitment to Norwich University and the symposium, the program was named The William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium in 1997.
History of the symposium at Norwich
Annual Themes
- 2008 The New Battlefield
- 2007 Civilians in the Path of War
- 2006 The Ways of War
- 2005 The Rules of War
- 2004 The New Face of War
- 2003 Uncommon Valor: Ethical Lessons in Military Literature
- 2002 Raging War: Understanding the 21st Century Enemy
- 2001 The American Way of War
- 2000 The World at War
- 1999 Info Wars: The Next Battlefield
- 1998 Ethics in Military Literature and Film
- 1997 Military Fiction in America: The Craft and Its Influence
- 1996 Fact and Fiction in 20th Century Military History
