The Arkansas Educational Television Network Commission will meet Thursday, Sept. 20, at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 503 East Ninth Street, Little Rock.

   At noon, the commission will have lunch with Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, navigator of the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan. The regular quarterly meeting will convene immediately after lunch at 1 p.m. This open meeting will convene under the provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, the public is invited.

   From 4-7 p.m. Sept. 20, the commission will host a free public special screening of “The War,” the seven-part documentary series directed and produced by Ken Burns that explores the history and horror of the Second World War from an American perspective, at the MacArthur Museum. Also previewed will be “Their Journey: A Veterans’ Tribute Tour,” a documentary filmed in June when AETN arranged for 47 WWII veterans from across Arkansas to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial in a four day “Tribute Tour.”

   “Their Journey” a production of “In Their Words: AETN’s WWII Oral Histories Project,” allows AETN to archive firsthand knowledge of the war for use by future generations online and in the classroom. The project also provides a lasting memory for the interviewee’s family, with more than 200 veterans completing interviews to date.

   The AETN Commission invites the public to join and staff for a reception, screenings of “The War” and “Their Journey: A Veterans’ Tribute Tour,” and an opportunity to learn more about “In Their Words.” Anyone who attends the screening may register to win “The War” DVD set, CD soundtrack, book or other great prizes. Winners will be announced during the evening. Patrons should contact to Darbi Blencowe at 501-537-9814 or 800-662-2386. For a complete list of related programming and events visit www.aetn.org/thewar.

   The Commission will convene via conference call at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17 and Monday, Oct. 15. This open meeting will convene under the provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, and the public is invited. Interested parties may contact AETN at 800-662-2386 for teleconference information.

   The Arkansas Educational Television Network www.aetn.org provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s analog and digital transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.