American festivals, celebrations and commemorations
From Halloween to Columbus day, how Americans celebrate and commemorate events, as told by Alistair Cooke in his weekly BBC broadcasts.
Veteran's Day 1970
Why protests at Hunter College, New York, dishonour those who died for their country.
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Martin Luther King Day
The events that led to the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr Day.
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Independence Day celebrations, 1986
Celebrating the 4th July and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.
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St. Patrick's Day 1982
President Reagan's views on Northern Ireland and the appeal of Ed Koch
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The meaning of Labor Day
The origins of the Labor Day holiday and the role of trade unions in the US.
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Thanksgiving 1987
Thanksgiving Day past and present, and rioting by Cuban prisoners.
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Columbus: hero or villain?
Should Christopher Columbus be regarded as a hero or a villain by Americans?
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The constitution and religious festivals in America
Does the constitution make it difficult to celebrate a religious festival in America?
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Halloween, 1996
A chronicle of the origins of Halloween and the economy of pumpkins.
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US national Holidays
How Alistair Cooke convinced the state of Idaho to celebrate George Washington's birthday.
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