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02/13/2005 Archived Entry: "The Bonus Army: An American Epic"

THE BONUS ARMY: AN AMERICAN EPIC. Sometimes I wonder why I listen to NPR. Then a report like this one answers the question. Do not miss this excellent compendium on the Bonus March. NPR's report includes an on-air interview, photos, and a newsreel showing the U.S. army (under Gen. Douglas MacArthur) attacking fellow citizens.

If you're not already familiar with the 1932 catastrophe of the Bonus March, you'll know it well after listening, watching, and reading here.

From the newsreel: "It's war: The greatest concentration of fighting troops in Washington since 1865." And alas ... "They [the veterans of the Bonus Army] soon find out that it doesn't pay to monkey with a buzz saw."

But don't worry. According to the newsreel and President Herbert Hoover, the entire catastrophe was due to communists and other bad elements.

The interview is with Paul Dickson, co-author of a new book, The Bonus Army: An American Epic. Think I'll go check that one right out ...

Posted by Claire @ 12:12 PM CST
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