Peoria Public Library will offer two films with discussions on Saturday, December 3rd at Peoria Public Library Main Library Auditorium in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. At 10:30 a.m. watch the new documentary L-Bird- The Little Plane That Did and have your questions answered by moderator Kenny Crawford.
At 1:30 p.m. watch December 7th, a period documentary directed by John Ford that is seldom seen now and uses footage from Pearl Harbor.
After the 40 minute show, Bradley Assistant Professor Rustin Gates from Bradley University will lead a discussion about how our information and understanding of the “Japanese enemy” has developed extensively since the end of the war.
December 7th takes a close look at the day Pearl Harbor was attacked while L-Bird, The Little Plane That Did examines the light-weight reconnaissance planes that took off and landed from cables strung on the sides of aircraft carriers. December 7th begins with the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and mixes footage of the invasion with re-enactments. Individual American soldiers are profiled and honored and finishes with the Navy’s recovery of a vessel. L-Birds, also known as liaison aircraft, were widely used in WW II for a variety of purposes including: reconnaissance, observations, military evacuation and a variety of other roles. Flown by civilians and enlisted men alike, this movie will illustrate the importance and unique role that these planes played in World War II. Both programs take a look at the brave men and women who were caught up in extraordinary circumstances created by the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The public is invited to attend either or both programs. Those who wish to stay for both programs are invited to bring lunch and eat in the auditorium.