PBS Hawaii: Under a Jarvis Moon Historical Documentary

(Photo Credit: Pacific Heartbeat)

Last evening on PBS Hawaii the station broadcast Under a Jarvis Moon. Produced by Pacific Heartbeat, this documentary:

"is the story of 130 young men from Hawai‘i who, from the late 1930s through the early years of World War II, were sent on a clandestine mission by the U.S. Federal Government to occupy desert islands in the middle of the Pacific. The first wave of these colonists were Hawaiian high school students, chosen because government officials assumed that Pacific Islanders would be best able to survive the harsh conditions present on the tiny, isolated islands. For the young men, who were unaware of the true purpose of their role as colonists, what ensued is a tale of intrigue, courage, and ultimately, tragedy. Amazingly, these men (four of whom are still alive) are only now being recognized for their sacrifice, and efforts are underway for the United States to officially acknowledge them for serving their country."

This historical documentary was voted  'Best Documentary' at the 2010 Hawaii International Film Festival.

Did you miss the broadcast? Fear not! Go to this link or the one hyper-linked above and watch it on YouTube.