Important overseas American Military base in the 1950s. Produced between 1951 and 1971, the big picture was a Weekly Television report for the army and the american public. Narrator the United States army presents the big picture, an official report produced for the armed forces and the american people. A small, rocky, typhoonswept island, this is okinawa, principal link in the ryukyus chain, which stretches more than stretches over the pacific from japan to formosa. Unimportant . Perhaps at first glance. But okinawas role in todays world is out of proportion to its size. An area equal to rhode island, okinawa is a vital outpost in the free World Defense network less than 300 miles from the coast of communist china. But okinawa has not always played the Important Role it plays today. For many centuries it slept, an island off the beaten track of world affairs. Feudal lords ruled over scattered straw hut villages , where life centered around two things rice and religion. Ancestor worship was the dominant thing. Here, peaceful peasants lived and worked. And children played. It was a contented culture that looked backward rather than forward for inspiration. As such, it changed little over the centuries. Agriculture was the most important occupation. The ungenerous earth was worked by hand with ancient tools. Crops were sown by hand and harvested by hand. It was a rough, simple life. But when the crops were good and the harvest plentiful, people were content. They lived in peace and primitive prosperity. The harvest occupied everyone. It was the womens work to separate the grain from the chaff. It took strenuous shaking to sift the rice kernels through a straw sieve, a method as old as farming itself. The United States first became acquainted with okinawa when Matthew Perry landed his asiatic expedition here in 1853. Some of his men are buried here. When perry returned to the United States, he recommended to congress that they annex the island. But congress was uninterested. It was not until 1871 that anyone expressed further interest in the primitive Little Island. At that time, Japan Incorporated it into her empire. The japanese gave okinawa their language and introduced the natives to japanese culture. The okinawans, always an easygoing, friendly people, took pleasure in celebrations featuring the highly stylized oriental dance. However, the japanese looked upon the island primarily as a source of agricultural supply. And so life in okinawa changed very little over the years, until the outbreak of world war ii. Vital to the Japanese Defense, okinawa had to be taken before our main attack on japan could succeed. [explosions] after the most tremendous naval and air pounding of the pacific war, american troops landed on okinawa. It was easter sunday, 1945. It was also april fools day. It marks the beginning of the most bitter island battle in modern history. The Japanese Defense turned out to be desperate. This was their last outpost, their last chance to blunt the american blow on japan itself. They fought with fanatical fury. The island gave its rugged support. Deep caves, jagged ridges, and steep cliffs aided the enemy. It was a slow, difficult, dangerous process, an individual operation against each and every japanese soldier. It was a tough way to fight on a tough Little Island. Okinawa earned the name the rock. Six whole divisions took five full months to wrest okinawa from japanese control. The few prisoners taken attested to the fury of the battle. When it was finally over, there wasnt much left standing on okinawa. Naha, the capital, was a shambles. We had no time to fix it because the rock was a staging area for the assault on japan. But that assault never came. Suddenly and dramatically, the war ended. When the japanese surrendered, okinawa was placed under United States jurisdiction. Okinawa after the war was a forlorn place. Equipment shot up during the fighting. And equipment piled up for the invasion of japan lay around to rot and rust away. The rock was forgotten. The few troops that remain lived in temporary quarters. Their primary concern was a neverending battle with the elements. First it was dust, so much it darkened the sky. Then there were the typhoons, sweeping in off of the ocean, they lashed the Little Island with their fury. Leaving behind a path of wrecked buildings and equipment. And afterwords, mud, bogging down everything to a crawl. Then in 1949 the chinese mainland fell to the communists and suddenly, almost overnight, the situation changed. In 1950, south korea was invaded. Okinawa once again became strategically important. Equipment was rushed in. New facilities had to be built, new runways, new roads, and new buildings. We had to make okinawa strong. Airbases came first. We needed longer runways to accommodate bigger, faster bombers. Guided by army engineers, okinawans pitched in with a will. Heavy equipment was brought in and men who had never even seen steamrollers were taught to operate them. Concrete and steel and human sweat gave us a firstclass air base in operation, in time to support the korean war. Day after day, plane after plane, the b29s roared up on the okinawan base. Out over the yellow sea 1000 miles on missions in north korea , to blast strongholds held by the communist enemy. The bombers fought their war from that important Little Island, okinawa. But the air bases were only the beginning. If okinawa was going to be our primary military establishment in the far east, a great many other things had to be accomplished, too. Barracks, headquarters, warehouses, depos and other facilities were entirely inadequate. New about typhoonproof permanent buildings had to be constructed. Contracts were let out to japanese and philippine companies. Okinawans were taught new trades. Many became skilled brick layers, painters and carpenters, and okinawa blossomed out in a boom of construction activity. Along with the purely military construction went the development of dependent housing. Attractive suburban areas were laid out, and soon modern homes constructed. Now American Kids play happily among the smart new homes of the servicemens families. If a soldiers wife runs short of soap or breakfast cereal, there are modern, american style supermarkets with complete stocks of the same merchandise you might expect to find back home. There is even somebody to help with the grocery cart. The interfaith chapel, eventually erected, is a handsome example of the clean modern lines to be seen in okinawas new construction. New two and threestory arm Army Barracks are complete units in themselves with troop quarters, rooms, armory and mess hall under one typhoonproof roof. The new construction on okinawa has extended to every area of activity. University buildings, hospitals, theaters, public buildings and sports facilities all have been built to serve americans and okinawans alike. Striking is the architecture of this island, and the beautiful Headquarters Building is, perhaps, the crowning achievement. A credit to okinawans and americans, it is a blend of modern design and functional styling. It is great of a functional city anywhere. To tie in the numerous facilities spread out over the island, a modern communication and Transportation System had to be constructed. Before the American Occupation, there were few paved roads on okinawa. Mud and dust trails were often the only means of getting around. Heavy employment was employed to tackle the difficult array. And as in all phases of the modernization program, local okinawan labor was taught to operate it. This policy not only saved many millions of dollars to the american taxpayer, but also gave okinawans a degree of knowhow in handling modern equipment that they never could have attained any other way. And so together we built a modern highway system. Crisscrossing the island, it serves every important military installation, as well as numerous native cities and villages. All the construction on the island so far as amounted to as big a job as building a city the size of indianapolis from scratch, all in a few years time. But for the troops on okinawa, it has not been simply a question of building a base. They must stay in the peak of condition. A field problem may last a night or begin before the sun is fully up. Men attached to the Armys Special forces load their equipment above the submarine tile fish for an underwater demolition exercise at a nearby island. Soldiers are trained in a variety of combat skills which qualify them for specialized and often hazardous duty. They have the military strength on okinawa, which includes large air and naval forces, as well as the third marine division. This calls for a predawn you predawn landing on a beach. The men are carefully briefed before the submarine departs. Tile fish approaches the target area at full speed as the swimmers prepare to leave on their mission. Carrying bags of explosives, wire, and detonating devices, their objective is to destroy beach obstacles before a practice Amphibious Assault landing is carried out later in the day. Training such as this makes these men outstanding as versatile, combat ready soldiers. Split Second Timing and physical endurance are both demanded by such strenuous assignments. Many of these units can be utilized anywhere in the far east if an emergency requires. Into the water and to the beach , with only the fish for company. [explosion] mission accomplished, and the men swim into the sea again, where they are picked up by high speed craft a few hundred yards off the beach. In combat, these men would help clear beaches of barriers which would normally impede vehicles making an amphibious landing. Constant practice in the offensive and defensive phases of Amphibious Operations makes troops welltrained. Remembering the tremendous cost of taking the island from the japanese, we want to make it impractical for any aggressor to attempt attack. To exploit okinawas strategic location, Major Commands were moved here a few years ago from japan. This has created a fluid force poised to move anywhere at a moments notice. The defense of the island, then, is a primary concern. Tactical training never stops. In these operations, new techniques are constantly employed, and new equipment tested out under battlefield conditions. These assault vehicles offer protection to troops as they disembark. Only through this constant training are commands kept at top efficiency, and ricon intends to keep it that way. But what about the troops that are arriving on okinawa today . What did they find on this, our most important military base in the far east . Personnel assigned to okinawa today will find a modern community, in most respects very similar to many communities in america. They will find a place where they can settle their families and live as americans and Good Neighbors in this okinawan community. There is industry and commerce on the island now. Many small plants and factories manufacture products which have become important to the okinawan economy. The ancient art of the glass blower is one of the many skills applied by the industrious ryukuan. Products from these Small Industries are used locally and for export to japan. Many lovely shapes and designs, both decorative and functional, emerge from the production line in this tiny factory. Restaurants like the famous tea house of the august moon are a booming business. The movies have become popular with both american and japanese products shown. Today there is a native threat. And outside the news building, okinawans keep up with the latest world events. They have found hospitable soil in okinawa, and citizens now elect their own legislature, as well as local officials. Here he is installed in okinawas highest office, that of chief executive, while high ranking americans and okinawans look on. There is a blending of the new and the old here, of the east and the west. Some sections of the island are reminiscent of any oriental community with crowded streets and bustling commercial activity. There are ultramodern department stores. And here, halfway around the world from home, can be found all the products necessary to satisfy the wants of the american family. The stores, staffed by native okinawans, do a booming business with the serviceman shopper. On okinawa there are many enlisted mens and officers clubs. Supported entirely by members dues, they provide many facilities for family recreation. The Swimming Pool is always popular. There is an excellent golf course. Volleyball courts. And tennis. Here, too, can be found the extended pleasures of a summer vacation. Okinawa abounds in lovely beaches. And on this semitropic island, the swimming is good from march to november. Everybody takes advantage of the water. But how has all this activity affected the okinawans . Under american guidance, the island has turned into a prosperous, modern community. Agriculture is still important to the economy. And new commercial possibilities have grown from it. Over the centuries, rice straw served as material for making many articles useful to the native population. Today, these same articles have found a new popularity among americans. A flourishing industry has developed in their manufacture and exportations. In all this, the okinawans have learned much of western man. They have learned new skills, discovered a higher standard of living, and enjoyed new forms of recreation. But okinawa and its friendly people are strong on tradition, and despite the many aspects of modern life, much remains of the past. The family is still the most important unit in okinawan society, and ancestor worship is still the dominant religion. Here, a modern family worships at the tomb of its predecessors. Respects are offered for the wellbeing of past and present generations. Inside the more elaborate shrines, the same symbol same, simple ceremony pays respect to those who have gone before. Since the American Occupation of the island, the education of young okinawans has been a project of primary importance. Consequently, more and better schools, including a university , have been constructed. When moving day arrives, the kids pitch in with a will. They are proud of their new school. Perhaps they do not realize it yet, but it will give them new opportunities. From these children will come the leaders of tomorrow, for democratic government is already a reality on okinawa. Many things in okinawan life have changed only superficially under the american influence. Fishing, one of the oldest industries on the island, is carried out by fast modern trawlers, which travel far in search of a catch. The islands location makes it vitally important as a stop off for commercial airliners on long transpacific flights. Heavy air traffic is one more reason why okinawas future is brighter today than at any time in the islands long history. More than 100 years ago, Commodore Perrys expedition recognized okinawas importance. Today, air travel is safer and more comfortable because of it. And so, okinawa is a land of a modern landding with hope in the future, yet people still find time for traditional celebrations. Every year the fishermen hold a rowing race. Crowds lined the waterfront to cheer their favorites. Whoever wins, the outcome is always a wet one for the victors rooters as they dash into the water to congratulate the winning boat, banners waving. Like all people everywhere, the okinawans love a parade. The 100th anniversary of Commodore Perrys visit, offers okinawans and americans a chance to celebrate. Kids are let out of school for the day, and thousands of people flags of both okinawa and the United States. Craftsmen of both nationalities test their skill in making colorful floats to dramatize the event. An oriental version of the commodore and his valeant crew valeant crew pleases the crowd. And so, 100 years after perrys visit, okinawas strategic location, duly noted by the commodore, today makes the island one of our most important military assets in the far east. Oflowing the carnival floats, there is a traditional sport. Youngsters compete in balancing the banners high in the air, which takes a lot of skill and timing. Then it becomes our turn to celebrate. And in a similar way, the army puts on its traditional show. The military parade. Its precision is a contrast to the carefree okinawan spectacle , and also a reminder of far eastern tensions. In this area of the world where totalitarian aggressions is a constant threat, islands like have progressed markedly and gained much. But no matter how much we do for the island and its friendly people, we will have received much more in return. For as president eisenhower has stated, okinawa island is now regarded as a major defense bastion in the far east, known americas c as keystone of the pacific. The big picture is an official report for the armed forces and the american people. Produced by the army pictorial center. Presented by the department of the army, in cooperation with this station. You are watching American History tv, covering history cspan style with event coverage, eyewitness accounts, archival films, lectures, and visits to museums and historic places. All weekend, every weekend on cspan three. America, aseal another family for peace is an grievingfilm featuring families. In early crowdfunding effort, the film was produced by a mother for peace, using one dollar donations. Here is a preview. Was 25death of my sun years of my life just one out of me. I was stunned. I couldnt see. He had a great future. I just could not see why it had to happen. I was strong in my bitterness and i could not accept it. It was only in the brought the body back that i accepted it. When i went to the airport, they escorted my boys body to the funeral parlor, i asked to have his dog tags. The military said they still belong to the United States army. From now on, the boy is mine, and i will bear him as my sun. Not as a military soldier anymore. I have to live with this thing, i have to make his death a cause in my household. I have to, and this is what i am doing now. Michael has to have died for something. And i think it is my duty to see that he did die for something. The war is that something, that is what i will continue to do. My feeling now is a feeling of guilt. I feel that i did not enough to enlighten my sun my son. Onether who loses her as a her son simply feels that she did not protect him. I did not do it the right way. I think that you cant let her some go there, it is not a patriotism thing anymore. Hes part of you. They would have to drag him over my dead body to get him to go now. I am was the father of world war ii. Some of us have taken off our uniforms, and some hasnt taken off their uniforms. But, i took my uniform off when i passed out of the discharge center. Want t all the wars i have had all the wars i want. As for fathers, i dont understand how fathers can want to live past glory in seeing when sons going to war, they know what war is. I dont understand it. I dont want any more of it. Watch the full program ight at 11 oh 5 p. M. 11 05 p. M. Here, on American History tv. Television has changed since cc cspan began. Our Mission Continues to provide an unfiltered view of government. This year we have brought you the president ial impeachment process, and now the federal response to the coronavirus. You can watch all of cspans programming on television, online, or listen on our radio app. Be part of the conversation through cspans Washington Journal Program or through our social media feeds. Cspan. Created by private industry. Cableas Public Television company. Brought to you by your cable provider. Like American History tv, keep up with us on facebook, twitter, and youtube. Learn about what happened this day in history and see clips about coming programs. Follow us at cspan history. The muskogee creek nation c is okmulgee, oklahoma. About 100 miles east of oklahoma, city. Oklahoma city. We visited there and asked the tribes curator, john beaver, to give us a tour of their landmark council house. John hi. Welcome to the Creek Nation Council house. The building you are in, this building here, served as the creek Nation National capital from 1878 until 1907. Prior to 1878, there was a twostory log cabin that sat on this site that served as our National Capital building until this was constructed in 1878