Contrary to the promotional material, Spirit of America performances are a glorification of war, misrepresentation of history and one big military recruitment extravaganza.

Compiled from clips from the 2004 Spirit of America performance in Worcester, this video takes us inside the performance and captures some of the recruitment outside.

The US Army's recruitment show, "Spirit of America" is returning to Worcester for two days. Local groups are organizing two demonstrations:

Morning (appx 9:30 am t.b.d.) Friday, Sept. 19th
THEME: END RECRUITMENT

Afternoon(appx 1pm t.b.d.), Saturday, Sept. 20th
THEME: END the WAR

Articles and photos from 2004

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Recruiter Frenzy at "Spirit of America" in Worcester

Over 60 people attended a demonstration on Friday, Sept. 10th against the U.S. Army's "Spirit of America" performance at the Worcester Centrum. Community members were there to voice their objection to the Worcester Public Schools decision to send students to the recruitment and propaganda event.

School Committee member Joe O'Brien was in attendance and was extremely critical of the school's decision. Committee member O'Brien brought his objections to the School Committee's floor on Thursday, Sept. 16th. along with concerned Worcester residents.

In an open letter to school committee members published earlier at Worcester Indymedia Joe O'Brien wrote, " So, let's get this straight. If you want to go on a trip to learn about peaceful alternatives to war run by academics, or if you want to take part in activities centered around a historic day in the gay community's struggle for Civil Rights you can't go. But if you want to go to a pro-military rally run by the Department of Defense, take the whole school day. This is simply wrong. "

Inside "Spirit of America" Story & Photos | Protest Photos | Protest Commentary | Photos of Recruitment at "Spirit of America"

School Committee to Review "Spirit of America" Decisionmaking and Policies

Over 60 people attended a demonstration on Friday, Sept. 10th against the U.S. Army's "Spirit of America" performance at the Worcester Centrum. Community members were there to voice their objection to the Worcester Public Schools decision to send students to the recruitment and propaganda event.

School Committee member Joe O'Brien was in attendance and has been extremely critical of the school's decision. Committee member O'Brien will be bringing his objections to the School Committee's floor on Thursday, Sept. 16th. and Worcester residents are organizing to bring their concerns to committee members as well.

In an open letter to school committee members published earlier at Worcester Indymedia Joe O'Brien wrote, " So, let's get this straight. If you want to go on a trip to learn about peaceful alternatives to war run by academics, or if you want to take part in activities centered around a historic day in the gay community's struggle for Civil Rights you can't go. But if you want to go to a pro-military rally run by the Department of Defense, take the whole school day. This is simply wrong. "

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Demonstration ~ Sept. 10th Against U.S. Army Recruitment Tour @ Worcester Centrum

Worcester parents and community residents are calling for Superintendent James Caradonio and all Worcester schools to reverse a decision allowing Worcester elementary, middle and high school students to attend the U.S. Army's touring recruitment extravaganza scheduled for the Worcester Centrum Sept 10th and 11th.

"Spirit of America", a large scale, multi-media arena production, is comprised of a 'cast' of over 400 active duty military personnel which teaches lies and misrepresentations of the U.S. military's history in the U.S. and abroad. For example, one scene portrays "an attack by natives" with the U.S. Calvary to the rescue, while additional scenes present glorified and false portraits of bloodless battles, armored vehicles and the victory of freedom. This mega-$$ traveling recruitment production is framed by the story of how a young man "decides to follow his grandfather in the path of military service." Area residents are upset by the school's decision to support this event and are calling for other parents to contact the local school department.

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