Legacies of War: Memorials and Memories of the American Civil War and the Vietnam War is a public program that encourages individuals to engage with the humanities to discuss war and memory.
The American Civil War (1861-1865) left an indelible mark on the landscape and public awareness. A vast array of monuments to that war both encourage particular interpretations and shape collective memory and discourse. In today’s complex social landscape, these monuments evoke diverse perspectives and intense debates over their meaning, their place in public spaces, and the stories they tell.
The legacies of the war in Vietnam are equally complex and multifaceted. Even after 50 years, stories from both veterans and civilians evoke deep emotion. Monuments to the Vietnam War, especially the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., while initially contentious have, over time, become places of both individual and shared memory and grief.
Join us as we read fiction and non-fiction and engage in facilitated discussions about the memory and monuments of two pivotal American wars. Civilians, veterans, active-duty members, and those affiliated with the military from all branches, regardless of years of service, deployment experience, disability, age, race, or gender are welcome.
Discussion groups meet online twice per month for two hours each time over five months. Meeting times are listed in Pacific Time, remember to adjust the time for your time zone.
Saturday Discussion Group meets 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time: January 24, February 7 & 21, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18 and May 2, 16, & 30.
Thursday Discussion Group meets 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Pacific Tim-e: January 29, February 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23, and May 7 & 21, & June 4.
Having just completed the discussion-leader training in November, I can attest that the level of discourse and critical thinking in these conversations will be high. There is so much to learn and experience in this program. Please reach out if I can answer any questions, to lzukas@nu.edu or 858-642-8437.
