Presidential historian returns for Presidents Day talk

The luncheon is also part of Grand Rapids' GR A250 celebration , a cultural milestone event marking America's 250th birthday and Grand Rapids' 175th birthday. Events leading up to the Fourth of July will honor the nation's founding, the American spirit and the city's civic identity.

"Jeff has joined us in the past as a panelist, and we are excited to have him on our stage again," said Kahler Sweeney, the Hauenstein Center's public programming manager. "Jeff is an excellent scholar and has a gift for presenting history with clarity and humor to general audiences."

During his talk, Engel will examine how presidents define the nation's enemies and how those narratives shape public opinion, military strategy and foreign policy decisions.

"America has fought numerous wars over its 250 years, but not all wars are the same," Engel said. "Some are fights of liberation against tyrannical regimes. Some broader and more brutal, aimed not at enemy leaders but at enemy peoples.

"The difference? How we conceive of our foreign foes, and how our leaders describe and shape public perceptions of our wartime enemies."

Engel said he hopes the discussion will help audiences connect previous presidential decisions to today's global conflicts and better understand how history continues to shape America's actions abroad.

"I hope people leave the event with a better understanding of the evolving nature of American warfighting, recognizing that the way we fight abroad is in large measure determined by who we think we are at home," Engel said.

Registration for the event and luncheon is required. Visit the Hauenstein Center webpage to RSVP.