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Arts & Culture

PACIFIC HEARTBEAT: Under A Jarvis Moon

"Under A Jarvis Moon" documents the clandestine U.S. mission which sent young Hawaiian men (pictured) to occupy tiny, isolated Pacific islands during the early years of World War II.
Courtesy of American Public Television
"Under A Jarvis Moon" documents the clandestine U.S. mission which sent young Hawaiian men (pictured) to occupy tiny, isolated Pacific islands during the early years of World War II.

Airs Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV

Running the gamut from enlightening documentaries to musical showcases, the anthology series PACIFIC HEARTBEAT journeys into the heart, mind and soul of Pacific Island culture.

"Under A Jarvis Moon" is the story of 130 young men from Hawaii who, from the late 1930s through the early years of World War II, were part of 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 Pacific Islanders could best survive the harsh conditions present on the tiny, isolated islands.

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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.

PACIFIC HEARTBEAT is on Facebook.

Series Preview: Pacific Heartbeat
Under A Jarvis Moon: Amelia Earhart
Hui Panalaau