NEA Big Read Lakeshore

The Legacy of Their Burdens- Dr. Fred Johnson

Thank you to all who joined us tonight to hear Dr. Fred Johnson, an Associate Professor of History from Hope College, guide us through Vietnam’s history up to America’s engagement in the war and an overview of the historical context surrounding the novel “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien.

Dr. Johnson served as a Communications-Electronics and Infantry Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He addressed the legacies of the burdens of the Vietnam War included conflict abroad, unfinished war at home; bizarre irony; unsung heroes; their difficult duty; debated loyalty; defiance; disillusionment; and of things gone wrong.

In addition to Dr. Johnson, Mayor Bob VandeVusse spoke and dedicated November as the month of literacy and urged all members in the community to read the book and participate in events. November is nationally recognized as Family Literacy Month.

Click here to listen to Dr. Johnson’s talk

https://blogs.hope.edu/thebigread/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2015/11/Big-Read-kickoff-event-Fred-Johnson-speech.m4a?_=1
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