Using NewsHour Extra Feature Stories

Overview: NewsHour Extra features stories can help students identify and interpret key issues in current events. This activity anticipates one class period, but the follow-up essay might be assigned as homework, or in another period.

Warm Up: Use initiating questions to introduce the topic and find out how much your students know.

Main Activity: Have students read NewsHour Extra's feature story and answer the questions on the reading comprehension handout.

Discussion: Use discussion questions to encourage students to think about how the issues outlined in the story affect their lives and express and debate different opinions.

Follow-up: Students can write an 500-word editorial on the topic expressing their views and send it to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org] for possible publication.

Evaluation: Students are graded on their answers to reading comprehension questions and/or their editorial.

Story: Memorial to World War II Veterans Dedicated in Washington, D.C., 05/31/04
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june04/wwii_5-31.html

Initiating Questions:

1. Why do you think people create memorials for important people and events?

2. Have you ever been to Washington, D.C.? If yes, what memorials did you visit while there? How did you feel?

Reading Comprehension Questions: (click here for printout)

1. What significant event is happening in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day? Who will, most likely, come to this event? Why?

For the estimated 4 million American veterans of World War II still living, the newest Washington, D.C. memorial is a long-awaited and permanent recognition of their sacrifice and success.

But approximately 12 million WWII veterans -- equivalent to the current populations of New York City and Los Angeles combined -- died before they would have a chance to see the national World War II Memorial, which will be officially dedicated Memorial Day weekend.

2. What significant World War II event is commemorated this summer?

This summer also marks the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the day American, British and other allied soldiers stormed the beaches in Normandy, France -- a military success that marked the beginning of the end of the war against Germany.

3. How big is the new monument? Where is it located?

The granite-and-bronze monument encompasses 7.4 acres, about the size of a football field, and is defined by a large oval nearly centered between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

4. Where are the stars and what do they represent?

Inside the oval, there's a wall of gold stars. Each star -- there are 4,000 of them -- represents 100 American deaths.

5. When did the idea for a WWII memorial get popular in Congress? Who instigated this interest?

It wasn't until the late '80s, when U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio was asked at a political event by WWII veteran Roger Durbin why a national memorial had not been built, that Congress got behind the idea in earnest. Kaptur sponsored legislation to get the memorial built, but it didn't pass until 1993.

6. Why did some critics object to the memorial?

That bill was followed by several court challenges from critics who felt the location of the monument on the National Mall would clutter up the famous and historic expanse between the Lincoln Memorial and the tall, imposing Washington Monument.

7. What other events celebrating the veterans of World War II will take place this summer?

Throughout the summer, more than 80 cultural institutions will participate in a tribute called "America Celebrates the Greatest Generation" that includes more than 140 events all over the country.

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Research the new World War II memorial. (http://www.wwiimemorial.com) Look at pictures of it. Explain if you think that the memorial fulfills its purpose: to honor "the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home." Why or why not?

2. Some critics objected to the placement of the memorial between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Do you agree or disagree with them? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think it is important to create memorials for significant world events like World War II? Why or why not? What would you say to critics who say that they glorify war?

4. Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote on May 2, 2004 in USAWeekend.com about the role of monuments and memorials to Americans. Read his quote below. Do you agree or disagree with him. Explain your answer.

"What's important is what the monuments and memorials say to us. They can teach us much about the ideas that unite us in our diversity, the values that sustain us in times of trial, and the dream that inspires generation after generation of ordinary Americans to perform extraordinary acts of service. In short, our monuments and memorials tell us a great deal about America's commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all."

Write a 500-800 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.