Over the past 250 years, the United States military has played a vital role in the nation’s development. From securing independence to establishing itself as a leading global power, the military’s influence is undeniable. Despite its expanding global presence, the number of Americans enlisting in the military has decreased.
Judy Woodruff examines the implications of this trend in her series, Crossroads: America at 250. This shift prompts important questions about national identity and civic duty.
“Our military history is deeply entwined with America’s story,” Woodruff notes. “Yet, we now face a period where fewer citizens engage directly with military service.”
Judy Woodruff, a senior correspondent and former anchor and managing editor of the PBS News Hour, has reported on politics and other events for half a century across NBC, CNN, and PBS. Her insights provide a unique perspective on how military service shapes—and is shaped by—the country.
Woodruff’s exploration highlights the complexities of military engagement and its impact on society as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
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