Thousands of Arab American military service members served in both World War I and World World War II. Learn about the dramatic story of Raphael George, an Arab American Purple Heart recipient who was shot down over Europe and became a prisoner of war (POW) in Germany. Using video, teaching tips, and discussion questions, students come to understand how thousands of Arab Americans served in the military, why they did so, and how we remember them today through the use of physical memorials.

The video, shot inside in the Indianapolis War Memorial, features Arab Americans Susie Baranyk and Edward Curtis as well as Steve Baranyk and a recreation of Raphael George’s journey across Europe as a POW. The video dramatizes the service of Raphael George in a G-rated battle sequence. It also introduces students to the Indiana War Memorials and a local high school World War II memorial.