Veterans Day-Related Programs at the National Archives in November
Press Release · Friday, October 31, 2008

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Archivists Timothy Nenninger, Mitch Yockelson, and Rich Boylan discuss NARA’s historical documents relating to World War I and how researchers have used them.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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