Focusing on the famed 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army, also known as the Big Red One, the project will bring to life the misery, heroics and humanity of World War II as told by veterans who witnessed them first hand.

Members of the Big Red One led the way for American troops during World War I in 1917, were the first to land on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in World War II, were the first division called to fight in Vietnam and the first to lead the charge into Iraq.

At the heart of the program will be an hour-long live broadcast from the First Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, Illinois. During the broadcast viewers can call or e-mail with questions that will be answered or discussed by the WWII veterans, Ball State University historians, or curators of the 1st Infantry Division Museum. During the broadcast and up to two weeks following the broadcast, the Web site will feature an online bank of experts who will answer questions in our discussion forum.

The First Infantry Division Museum is located on the estate of the late Colonel Robert R. McCormick, a commander in the First Division. Officially opened in 1960, the Museum houses countless war artifacts, as well as state of the art interactive and experiential exhibits.

The digital media experience will have an introduction and closing comments by Ken Burns, award-winning producer and director of the epic World War II documentary The War.

Echoes of War will air on the heels of the September 23 PBS debut of The War.

Schools and educators can register online for free to access lesson plans, student activities and resources relating to the live program. After Echoes of War airs, the show will be archived and additional video modules will be posted in order to continue the interactive learning experience.

For more information on Echoes of War, visit www.bsu.edu/echoesofwar.