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World War II
World War II was fought across four continents and thousands of miles of ocean. The lives of millions of military service members and civilians were affected by the events of this war. The lesson plans and walking tours in this module focus on the experiences and individual stories of those who fought abroad or worked on the homefront during the war.

Lesson Plan: Code Talkers

American Indians served in important military intelligence roles during World War I and World War II, using their native languages to transmit secret military messages on the battlefield. Their efforts proved crucial to U.S. military success.
In this lesson, students learn about the Code Talkers and the significance of this celebrated group of American Indian soldiers in historical and cultural context.
  • One class period (30 minutes)

Lesson Plan: Telling the Story of World War II

Explore the wide-ranging experiences of individuals buried and honored at ANC. Students select a perspective, read an article related to that topic, and then watch an oral history interview with an individual who lived through World War II. After completing their own study, students participate in a discussion on the uses of primary and secondary sources. They will discuss how primary and secondary sources on their chosen topic contributed to their understanding of World War II as a whole.
  • Two class periods; 10 minute introduction; at-home examination of sources; 30-40 minute in-class discussion and activity

Lesson Plan: Firsthand History

Students will analyze the purpose of primary sources before being introduced to Eddie Willner, a survivor of the Holocaust who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
They will then listen to a portion of an oral history interview he gave to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). While listening, students will answer questions about the interview and the importance of primary sources. Students do not need to already be familiar with World War II or the Holocaust in order to participate in this lesson.
  • One or two class periods, 90 minutes total

Walking Tour: African American Trailblazers

This walking tour celebrates the achievements of African American men and women in the U.S. military who made historic contributions to American society
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Starting point: Section 33 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.