What It Means to Be a Veteran

Intended primarily for middle school and high school audiences, for use in American history and civics courses, What It Means to Be a Veteran presents four veterans--from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War--who share their experiences in a short program that underscores the importance of honoring our veterans on national holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Young viewers will learn that war is neither a virtual reality game nor a simple case of "good guys versus bad guys"; it's a dirty, physically demanding, mentally draining engagement that may not always be defensible, but is often a necessary evil in order to ensure freedom. Reminding viewers that some of those "three-day holidays" we've come to enjoy (and sometimes take for granted) would not even exist were it not for the fact that some American men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, this inspirational program (which features a female soldier in the Persian Gulf War segment) is recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Carlson)