THE 2023 WAR HORSE SYMPOSIUM

On April 6, the inaugural War Horse Symposium inspired millions of people to join a nationwide conversation about the human impact of military service, with bipartisan coverage spanning from legendary broadcaster Dan Rather and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins to Sen. Marco Rubio and Jesse Watters of Fox News.

“The American military requires far more accountability,” Rather wrote in his column. “This is not exclusively a Republican issue or a Democratic one. …We can support our troops without blindly saluting the institutions they serve, and we fund. Indeed, insisting that our defense dollars be well spent is a form of support for our service men and women.”

The day-long symposium, hosted at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, brought together award-winning journalists and the senior leaders shaping the future of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The day started with remarks from legendary reporter Bob Woodward and included conversations with comedian Jon Stewart, Medal of Honor recipient Flo Groberg, and many others.

The War Horse Symposium represented a rare gathering where those government leaders and journalists agreed that military reporting is vital to U.S. national security, and addressing the greatest issues faced by veterans and military families. The symposium brought together more than 300 people on campus and featured exclusive, off-the-record student sessions with guest speakers, extending unprecedented access to dozens of emerging leaders. Read more about the student session, here.

“How we cover national security, and how we cover warfighting and how we cover veterans is a national security issue,” said Sec. Denis McDonough during his interview with The War Horse’s managing editor Kelly Kennedy about the future of VA healthcare. “We have a lot of obligations, but only one sacred obligation, and that’s to our vets. We just have to start seeing that as a cost of war.”

During the headliner interview, comedian Jon Stewart discussed a broad range of topics with Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, from toxic exposure to declining national service, but the exchange that received the most attention from taxpayers focused on the Pentagon’s ballooning budget. She also spoke strongly about the role of journalism in U.S. democracy and our national security.

“The United States military is about defending the Constitution, and the free press is part of the Constitution,” said Dr. Hicks. “Any major institution hears hard truths, and the press helps bring that.”

“I love The War Horse News because it’s a lot of people that have served and trained people who have actually experienced the military. The media are often excited to embed, but coverage focuses on sensationalized aspects, and not daily challenges and sacrifices faced.”

— Jon Stewart

“Knight Foundation was honored to be a sponsor of The War Horse Symposium. The programming and spirit of community reached were both impressive and valuable for everyone who attended and viewed. As the War Horse newsroom thrives, we look forward to being a part of it!”

– Jim Brady, President of Journalism Program, Knight Foundation

“The War Horse Symposium was one of the best-ran, most interesting events I’ve attended in a while. My thanks to The War Horse News for inviting me to take part in this vital discussion centered around the collapse of news and the ramifications to our national security.”

— Sam Kille, VP of Communications, Report for America

Conversations From The 2023 War Horse Symposium

“Everything That One Could Want Out of a Symposium”

92%

of participants rated the symposium as great or excellent

86%

of virtual participants enjoyed the platform and experience

92%

of participants were impressed by the topics discussed

95%

of participants were very satisfied with the speakers

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“We can support our troops without blindly saluting the institutions they serve and we fund. Indeed, insisting that our defense dollars be well spent is a form of support for our service men and women.”

— Dan Rather on The War Horse Symposium

“I think that we should spend more time focusing on how we create more War Horses, as opposed to how do we get [legacy media] to increase its coverage of the military.”

— Rajiv Chandrasekaran, combat correspondent, The Washington Post

“The symposium was sensational, beautifully executed, filled with insights, and very informative. Everything that one could want out of a symposium.”

— Charles Kravetz, former CEO of WBUR

More Conversations From The 2023 War Horse Symposium

What Participants Had To Say

“This is probably the most productive discussion I’ve seen in some time.”

“I hope this is just the beginning of the essential discussion around bridging the military-civilian divide, and applaud War Horse and the University of Chicago for creating this great symposium.”

“What lies behind the well-intentioned ‘Thank you for your service’ is often a hesitation or apprehension in trying to understand what military service is like. This is what creates the ‘civilian/military divide,’ and The War Horse did a good job of showing how this gap could be narrowed.”

“This is one of the best cases of holding power to account in a straightforward way, trying to fix it, and showing the blatant problems that allow the corruption to continue.”

“I’m already looking forward to next year’s War Horse Symposium! Thank you for giving the virtual option (I’m in Wyoming) and making it a free event (I’m a public servant & veteran).”

“Organizations like The War Horse inspire me to speak out about my experiences in the service and help inspire me to actually want to make a difference still even after I thought there was no motivation left in me.”

THE 2023 WAR HORSE SYMPOSIUM

Award-Winning Journalism in Your Inbox

Conversations From The 2023 War Horse Symposium

“Everything That One Could Want Out of a Symposium”

of participants rated the symposium as great or excellent

of virtual participants enjoyed the platform and experience

of participants were impressed by the topics discussed

of participants were very satisfied with the speakers

More Conversations From The 2023 War Horse Symposium

What Participants Had To Say

About Us

EXPLORE

WH in your inbox.

THE 2023 WAR HORSE SYMPOSIUM

Award-Winning Journalism in Your Inbox

Conversations From The 2023 War Horse Symposium

“Everything That One Could Want Out of a Symposium”

of participants rated the symposium as great or excellent

of virtual participants enjoyed the platform and experience

of participants were impressed by the topics discussed

of participants were very satisfied with the speakers

More Conversations From The 2023 War Horse Symposium

What Participants Had To Say

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About Us

EXPLORE

WH in your inbox.