A Memorial Day Post: Dr. Urwin's Trip

Guest Post by Alison Malanowski


So as some of you know, Dr. Gregory Urwin was one of our historians on The Battle of Bunker Hill DVD. He is currently a Professor of History at Temple University in Philadelphia. In the planning and researching for his new book "Victory in Defeat", Dr. Urwin traveled to Japan and Wake Island. He was warmly welcomed and was able to use the amazing experience for his book, which will tell the incredible story of the defenders of Wake Island after they surrendered to the Japanese on December 23, 1941. Recently, I received pictures from his trip, which I would like to share with you on this Memorial Day:





"I received royal treatment from my host, Lieutenant Colonel Vance “Jethro” Cryer, the C.O. of Marine Attack Squadron 211 and my host. This photo was taken on VMA-211’s flight line on Friday, August 21. "

"On Saturday, August 22, Colonel Cryer took me to visit Hiroshima . This is ground-zero, August 6, 1945, the famed “Atomic Bomb Dome” at the entrance to the Hiroshima Memorial Park Area. The museum there presents a moving and surprisingly balanced assessment of the use of the first atomic bomb in warfare. This is a must-see attraction for any WWII historian."

"We finally got to Wake Island and I did my stuff on August 26, splitting the Marines into two groups for the two. Here I am with the squadron pilots and the “trail” in front of Wake’s Marine Corps Monument."

"For the flight from Iwakuni to Wake, I flew in a C-130. Leaving Wake, however, I rode in an Air Force KC-10 Extender (flying tanker) and got to sit beside the refueling console at the rear of the aircraft during two refuelings for the four Harriers flying with us. I got some spectacular photos from this seat!"

"Like this one. You have not lived until you’ve seen the business end of a Harrier come within 50 feet of where you are sitting!"

Bunker Hill's Home School Debut!

From April 8th until April 10th, Bunker Hill took its first major trip to the 2010 Cincinnatti Home School Convention. We arrived early to set up our booth among the hundreds of others. We were nestled in a corner, right by the registration table. (In the picture to the left, we are the booth with the large, dark banner.) Both my Dad and I were excited and anxious to start the work day, and for good reason. This event is considered the biggest Home School covention. Judging by how large this building was, we expected it to be huge. Soon, a steady stream of people started coming. Eventually, the large crowd came and the hall was bustling with families.


A lot of people definitely showed interest in the docu-drama, and several kids stopped to watch. We had the docu-drama playing, and as families walked by the children just stopped and stared. With so many people walking around, we were able to contact different organizations and distrubutors. Both my Dad and I would be caught up talking to people right up until closing. We were very blessed to have a customer come back the next day to tell us how much she loved the DVD. Then she bought another one! This whole experience helped take the first little step to get THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL out to the public and show Americans that history hasn't died yet.

With all the great feedback we got, we are considering taking another trip. However, not so far from home this time! We'll see what the Lord has in store for us, but hopefully we'll have another post up soon about the next convention.


Guest Post by Alison Malanowski

Here are some more pictures from the Convention.

Our humble, little booth.

Crowds of people going up the escalator.

Looking down from the escalator