In this recording within the We Believe Series, Thurman reads three poems written by various authors speaking to subjects of war, conscientious objection, aggression, and violence. Each of these poems are read as a reflection upon the Memorial Day holiday. The first poem, by John Drinkwater, deals with aggression as it is related to war. The second poem, by Badget Clark, deals with a young man's decision to fight in the Civil War. The third, and final poem, by Edna St. Vincent Millay, speaks to conscientious objection while hiding a black child from people of power. Each of these poems emphasize Thurman's commitment to an anti-war ethic, pacifism, and the religion of Jesus.

Part of the Collection, We Believe (Television Series, 1958-1965)

Tags: Abraham Lincoln, aggression, America, anti-violence, anti-war, Badger Clark, citizenship, civil war, consciousness, death, Edna St. Vincent Millay, evil, Herman Hagedorn, holidays, John Drinkwater, poem, prayer, soul, war

Description by Dustin Mailman

Recorded in WHDH-TV, Boston, Massachusetts

Citation: Thurman, Howard, “Selections for Memorial Day (1964-05-29),” The Howard Thurman Digital Archive, accessed July 9, 2024, https://thurman.pitts.emory.edu/items/show/1269.