Press Release
October 31, 2008
Veterans Day-Related Programs at the National Archives in November
More Information
Washington, DC…The National Archives commemorates Veterans Day with a special series of public programs including a panel discussion on the 90th Anniversary of the end of WWI, and screenings of several films from the U.S. Army Air Forces’ First Motion Picture Unit. All events are free and open to the public, and will be held at the National Archives Building, which is fully accessible. Please use the National Archives Building Special Events entrance on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue.
90th Anniversary of the End of World War I: Remembering the American
Experience
Friday, November 7, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Archivists Timothy Nenninger, Mitch Yockelson, and Rich Boylan discuss NARA’s
historical documents relating to World War I and how researchers have used
them. Historians Edward M. Coffman, author of The Regulars, and Douglas
C. Waller, author of A Question of Loyalty, will provide historical
insight into some important facets of World War I and why the American experience
is largely forgotten. A book signing will follow the program.
From The Vaults: Films of the U.S. Army Air Forces First Motion
Picture Unit—Keep ’Em Flying
Wednesday–Friday, November 12, 13, 14 at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Between 1942 and 1945, the U.S. Army Air Forces’ First Motion Picture
Unit (FMPU) produced more than 300 films to train and boost the morale of its
airmen. Established by newly commissioned Lt. Gen. Jack L. Warner, the FMPU
used talent trained at the Hollywood studios in its productions. As a result,
the films display a level of creativity and production values that set them
apart from typical Government fare. This week, we present a three-program selection
of FMPU films compiled from the motion picture holdings of the National Archives
by Daniel Rooney, an archivist in the Special Media Services Division. Included
will be such films as Land and Live in the Jungle (1944) with Van
Heflin, Photographic Intelligence in Bombardment Aviation (1943) with
Alan Ladd, and Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter (1943) with
Ronald Reagan.
For information on National Archives Public Programs, call (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online.
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For Press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.
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