CHECK IT OUT:

Today we honor the memories of veterans who have died defending the ideals and freedoms that the people of the United States of America hold dear. We also honor those among us who lived to tell the tales about war, its aftermath and its impact upon their lives and those of their families. Each of these remarkable people has a unique voice in the litany of names associated with the struggles played out on a global scale. The library is closed on Monday to honor their sacrifices, and it will reopen on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

These new titles are available to remind us that the fight for our way of life is an ongoing duty accomplished through individual heroism and an unswerving attention to maintain our democratic traditions.

“The Father of All Things: A Marine, His Son, and the Legacy of Vietnam” by Tom Bissell: Bissell travels with his Vietnam veteran father back to Southeastern Asian and reflects on the unforeseen consequences that continue to affect both their daily lives. Take a look at modern Vietnam through their eyes and reflect on the influences of clashing cultures.

“The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944” by Rick Atkinson: This is the second volume in a proposed trilogy about Europe’s liberation during World War II. This title details the battles at Salerno, Anzio and Monte Cassino as well as the liberation of Rome in June 1944. This is a fascinating and thorough chronicle of the Italian military campaigns. You may also want to read the first book, “An Army At Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943,” which details America’s involvement.

“Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10” by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson: Luttrell belongs to that elite group of U.S. Navy officers known as SEALs. Sent to northern Afghanistan in 2001 with orders to capture an Al-Qaeda leader, this chilling personal narrative tells about that battle and the men who fought it.

“House to House: An Epic Memoir of War” by David Bellavia with John R. Bruning: During the Iraq War in 2004, Bellavia spent a tour of duty in Fallujah. This book presents the details of facing sabotaged homes, hand-to-hand combat with terrorists and participation in everyday acts of heroism. The author is a nominee for the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

“Ike: An American Hero” by Michael Korda: Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was a World War II war hero and later, the 34th president of the United States. Get a glimpse of this powerful life through his letters, diaries and historical documents in a new biography by the ever-popular author Michael Korda.

“The Perils of Peace: America’s Struggle for Survival After Yorktown” by Thomas Fleming: The American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) has long been explored as the defining moment in our identity as Americans, but what about the aftermath? Explore the instability that threatened the fledging country with financial ruin, disastrous foreign intrigue and loose cannons of all stripes.

“Men of Fire: Grant, Forrest, and The Campaign that Decided the Civil War” by Jack Hurst: The larger-than-life Union Army leader General Ulysses S. Grant and his opponent, Nathan Bedford Forrest, brought their forces to fight the decisive battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson during the Battle of Tennessee. Explore the histories and personalities that formed the outcome of the War of Rebellion from 1861-1865.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach Public Library reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.