Hey guys, Its unfortunate that my 2-3 week hiatus from this BBS had to end with me asking for help; but as they say, _hit happens! Anyways, I was recently selected by my North American History teacher to go on this National special on CBC Newsworld that will air on November 11th (Remembrance day for Canadians, Memorial day for US). Basically, CBC Newsworld, which is similar to CNN but not quite, has this special where 10 or 11 youths (yours truly included) sit down and ask Korean War Vets questions about their personal experiences and discuss how it felt to be on the frontlines, etc. Nothing spectacular, but national TV nonetheless. (I doubt most of you would get the chance to watch it in the States, unless you live near the border or have satelite). Anyways, I've done some research on the War and have some brief on info. on the 4 vets that are going to be there, but now I'm just struggling with some of the questions I could ask. The only criteria we were given is that stray away from political questions, lean towards more personal questions (ie. what was going through your mind when you left for Korea), and keep them relatively short. 2 to 3 questions is sufficient. Obviously, I don't want to look like a fool and ask some half-assed or obvious question, so it should be at least a little thoughtful. Any suggestions you may have for thought-provoking, eye-turning, hair-raising, Rocket fueling questions for these vets of the Korean War would be much appreciative. Hey, if I have the chance I may even give a shout out to you on the air! Um, maybe not... Thanks in advance. Azim da Dream
I am very big into WWII and I have read several books by Stephen Ambrose that chronicle the personal struggles of the front line WWII veterans. He goes into great depths regarding the sacrifices that the soldiers made for each other and the war. Also how much they bonded with the countries that they fought in. I have not focused on the Korean War yet but these soldiers faced some of the same fighting conditions and problems. I think some good questions would be: "Are you still in contact with any men from your platoon/company?" "Do you feel that there is anything that could have been done differently in the Korean War?" "Do you approve of the military actions in Afghanistan? Are we doing too much or not enough?"
Was it as obvious to those in Korea as it was to those at home watching television that Radar was gay?
November 11 is Veteran's day in the U.S. I would suggest not referring to November 11 as Memorial Day during the show.
That would be what you call a joke. I understand that MASH was filmed during the 70s and 80s, not during the 50s.
Just ask one of them how come we didn't cross the 38th parallel and push those rice eaters back to the great wall of china and nuke them back into the friggin Stone Age River!! How come?!? SAY IT! SAY IT!
No Gun Ri was a notorious US Army massacre of civilians, brought about by a number of problems. It would be an intresting subject, though perhaps a touchy subject. I think one of the most intresting aspects of the war is how the UN troops crossed the 38th parallell and seemed to be marching to sure victory, yet in a matter of months the UN troops were defeated and retreating when the Chineese 'volunteers' crossed the Yalu River and drove them back. That had to be an incredibly emotional change of fortunes. Also, I'd be intrested whether the unresolved 'truce' ending to the war bothered them over the years. More of a formality than anything else, but I could see how that could be a troublesome point for some of the vets.
Um yeah ... interesting question but not exactly the sort of impression I want to make. Bobrek, my bad. Thanks for the correction - I knew that it was Veterans day for the U.S in the back of my head, but for some reason I wasn't thinking when I typed. Memorial Day is in May I believe. Appreciate the suggestions guys, definately helped. The show isn't taped until the 5th of November so I still have some time to think it over. Just hope I don't pull a Kelvin Cato and choke when it counts. Azim da Dream
azim -- timing was actually quoting from a Rodney Dangerfield movie...i don't think he meant any harm...just hoped to get a smile from someone like me!
Serious questions: "How did you feel when the Inchon landings were occurring? Did you feel like the war was turning and would soon be over?" "What was your personal reaction when you heard that the Chinese had crossed the Yalu - just miles ahead of you - and were pushing American and UN forces back? "Describe the stalemate and trench warfare of 1951-1953 in your own words, please?" That's the war in three questions, and one of them ought to get a response... Ask one of those of a frontline vet and it ought to be a teary-eyed moment - I understand the networks love that stuff. Good luck on the show.
