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Did You Know: About The Ghost Army of WWII?

An inflatable dummy tank, modeled after the M4 Sherman.

An inflatable dummy tank, modeled after the M4 Sherman.

The Ghost Army was a secret WWII tactical deception unit whose mission was to impersonate other U.S. Army units and deceive the enemy.  These unlikely soldiers were artists, architects, actors, set designers and engineers.

The unit included fashion designer Bill Blass, artist Ellsworth Kelly, wildlife artist, Arthur Singer and photographer Art Kane. The members of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops used visual deception (placing inflatable tanks, cannons, jeeps, trucks and airplanes so enemy air reconnaissance could see them), sonic deception (playing armored and infantry units sound effects of on powerful amplifiers and speakers that could be heard 15 miles away) and “spoof radio” where members from this special unit impersonated radio operators from other units.

These troops took part in 21 operations with mixed results.  Their deception is credited with one major success, Operation Viersen, when the Americans were crossing the Rhine.  The Ghost Army remained a secret until 1996.

The Nyack Library will celebrate the 70th anniversary of V.E. Daywith a presentation on The Ghost Army on May 21 at 7p. Elizabeth Sayles and Rick Beyer, co-authors of a book about this diversionary unit, will discuss The Ghost Army share some of the original art created by the soldiers. Registration is required.

Here’s the week at a glance
at the Nyack Library.

Monday

  • FREE Assistance with NYS Health Insurance Programs, 5p
  • Poets Circle, Registration required, 6:30p
  • The SAT, ACT, and PSAT in the New Testing Climate w/Trevor Hochman, Registration required, 7p

Tuesday

  • Cuentos, Canciones y Artesania, 1p
  • Homemade Sugar Scrub, 5:30p
  • MINDFULLNESS and HOMEOPATHY:  A Process for Staying Healthy with Dr. Kenneth Silvestri, Registration required, 7p

Wednesday 

  • Preschool Story Time, 2p
  • Defensive Driving Course – Insurance and Point Reduction – Session 2, 5:45p

Thursday

  • Monthly Introduction to the Internet Classes, Registration required, 2:30p
  • The Ghost Army of WWII.  How One Top Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects & Other Audacious Fakery, Registration required, 7p

Friday

  • Toddler Time, 11a
  • Teen Choice Movie, 3:30p

 

Mindfullness and Homeopathy:  A Process for Staying Healthy, Tue at 7p

According to the World Health Organization Homeopathy is the second-most used healing method in the world after Chinese medicine. It is based on the principle of “like cures like.” And uses safe, non-toxic, inexpensive, over-the-counter, F.D.A.-regulated remedies to stimulate the immune system to follow its own natural direction and heal itself from recognized traumas. Mindfulness is the process of being in the present and using one’s natural resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This general introduction covers the background of Mindfulness and Homeopathy. Mindful exercises (ie; Breathing, QiGong and Communication Skills) and its integration with Homeopathy will be discussed with practical and applicable information.

Dr. Kenneth Silvestri is a licensed family therapist and certified classical homeopath. He has his doctorate in anthropology and psychology from Columbia University. He studied with Luc De Schepper, Jane Cicchetti and David Little and has a private practice where he integrates systemic psychotherapy and classical homeopathy in Montclair, New Jersey, and Nyack, NY.

Register online or by calling (845) 358-3370 ext. 214.


Have a question or a fun fact you want to know? We’re looking for suggestions for our weekly Did You Know fact. Write to info@NyackNewsAndViews with your suggestions.

Did You Know comes to you each Monday on NyackNewAndViews, sponsored by the Nyack Library.

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Nyack People & Places, a weekly series that features photos and profiles of citizens and scenes near Nyack, NY, is sponsored by Sun River Health.


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