Tegan Griffith, a Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School alumnus and military veteran who is featured in the new PBS film “American Creed,” will lead a town hall discussion following a free premiere screening of the film Monday at the high school.
The event also includes an interactive discussion and a free appetizer buffet.
The screening begins at 5:30 p.m., and doors open at 5 p.m. No RSVP is required.
In “American Creed,” former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, historian David Kennedy and a diverse group of Americans come together to explore whether a unifying set of beliefs — an American creed — can prove more powerful than the issues that divide society. This new documentary presents stories that remind people of the ideals that hold Americans together.
Griffith, a Marine who left active duty as a sergeant in 2009 after serving in Iraq, grew up in Wittenberg. The producers of “American Creed” learned of her story thanks to her advocacy work with the nonprofit group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). She plans to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May, majoring in communications with an emphasis in public relations.
Other participants in the film include noted author Junot Diaz, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, the co-founders of both progressive and Tea Party political groups, several second-generation Americans, and an elementary school principal with Creek Indian ancestry.
“I think the American ideal of citizenship is about service to others, either through military service or volunteerism or advocacy,” Griffith says in the film. “Even if I don’t necessarily agree with their opinions, I still appreciate them because that freedom is the fabric of my uniform. You put that uniform on to protect their right to do that. That’s what it means to serve the country.”
“American Creed” premieres on Wisconsin Public Television at 8 p.m. Tuesday. For information, visit americancreed.org.
WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Wisconsin Public Television is available on WPNE-TV Channel 38, Green Bay, and WHRM-TV Channel 20, Wausau.