September 24, 2007 archive

crossposted at Daily Kos, Truth & Progress, and Progressive Historians

Ken Burns’ PBS Series About World War II, ‘The War’ Begins Tonight, 8:00pm, EDT

If you’ve ever visited London or had the opportunity to live there for an extended period of time, you’d know which war Londoners refer to when they mention “The War.”  Not so in the United States, where you’d get a quizzical look in return should you mention that term to most people.  Since World War II, the United States has been involved in so many wars that an average person can perhaps be excused for his or her ignorance.

Unlike ‘The Civil War,’ Burns’ ‘The War’ is quite different as it looks at World War II not from the perspective of politicians, generals, or scholars but from the ground up. It chronicles the experiences of veterans from four towns in four different regions of the country. 

It will also, I am fairly certain, spark a debate around the country about the reasons as to how and why we fight wars.

Master (I use the term “Master” as a title because I didn’t hear his first name) Andrada was only 7 years old when the terrorist attack on the twin towers occurred but it has deeply affected his life. Master Andrada wasn’t in NY city at the time of the attack. In fact, he’s never been to the United States. This boy was born and has lived his entire life halfway around the world in the Philippines.

Master Andrada has become obsessed with the topic of the Twin Towers attack. At first he began to draw pictures of it.