1..  Tone is the attitude a writer takes towards his subject: the tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, ironic, inspiring, solemn, objective, cynical, optimistic, encouraging, critical, enthusiastic…  Which word do you think best describes the tone of this editorial?  Explain your answer.

2. Watch the video of historian David McCullough describing Churchill's visit with FDR shortly after Pearl Harbor, including the importance of songs, especially "O Little Town of Bethlehem." (the song is detailed from 2:28 to 6:24 on the video).  What do you think Mr. McCullough's purpose is for relating this information about the song, as well as Churchill's reaction to it?

3. Toward the end of the video, Mr. McCullough explains:

"History isn’t just dry dates and statistics - history is human.  History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, an aid to navigation especially in dark and dangerous times -- and the words and music we love and that have stood the test of time mean still more when we know their story."

How does this encourage you?