Eden Prairie, MN – On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6:30PM, noted World War II historian Jonathon Parshall will speak about the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. This event is part of the Wings of the North Air Museum’s Speaker Series that offers a free presentation on the first Thursday of each month.
Background: On August 6 and August 9 of 1945 the United States detonated the only two atomic bombs ever used in conflict. Since then, controversy has surrounded this decision. Were there alternatives? Did the bombs actually save lives, especially American lives? Why Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Mr. Parshall will talk about these questions and more during his presentation “Dropping the Bomb: Reframing the Moral Calculus”.
Jonathon Parshall is a bestselling author and lecturer on World War II in the Pacific Theater. He is a graduate of Carlton College and the Carlson School of Management. He lectures at the US Naval War College and the National World War II Museum and he has appeared on the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and the BBC. He has written numerous articles for magazines and authored several books including “Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway”.
The Wings of the North Air Museum is located at 14893 Sierra Lane on Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie. Access to Flying Cloud Airport is through Gate H, one mile west of Flying Cloud Drive just south of Pioneer Trail. Museum volunteers will assist with directions to parking. The presentation will start at 6:30PM; doors will open at 6:00PM. The event is free but donations are appreciated. Reservations are not required.
More information: www.wotn.org/museum/
Wings of the North is an IRS 501c3 nonprofit organization.