World War II, which shaped the 20th century and produced what’s been called the greatest generation, also inspired many classic films — and a selection of the best is being presented on Island with special introductions by American history scholar Sheldon Hackney.

The series begins on Monday, June 7, with The 49th Parallel, a 1941 British drama and wartime propaganda film starring Laurence Olivier, screening at 8 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Spring street in Vineyard Haven. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

D.A.W.

Daniel Waters’ latest collection, Life Lesson, has just been released.

Volume three of The Verses of D.A.W. can be ordered online from indianhillpress.com.

In this digital age, it sometimes seems as if the whole world is made up of amateur videographers. With the introduction of online video forums like YouTube, just about anyone can post just about anything on the Internet. And YouTube is just one of the many sites dedicated to such things.

The problem with YouTube is that it’s not very selective. For every memorable video, there are thousands and thousands of essentially useless clips. Imagine the time it takes to find the diamonds in the rough.

Escape from Siberia

As America takes a long weekend to remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, Islander Anita Hotchkiss and the Vineyard Haven library are offering Islanders an opportunity to learn more about the kind of atrocities that Allied forces fought and died to end.

In 1939, amid the political turmoil that eventually erupted into World War II, a treaty between the Soviets and Germany was signed dividing Poland in half.

Memorial Day. It’s a federally-mandated Monday off from work, a long weekend that arrives during a time of year when the lingering sun still surprises; the temperature is rising but still falls well short of oppressive. The air is sweet with scents specific to the season: blossoms, freshly-mowed grass and barbecues. Lots of barbecues.

The weekend on the Vineyard is stuffed with sales, receptions, fairs, festivals and performances, plus events that give the people a chance to remember, to reflect and to honor those who fought and died.

The American Red Cross will hold an adult and child CPR/AED and first aid class on May 29 at the Farm Institute at 14 Aero avenue in Edgartown.

The CPR/AED class will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs $55. The first aid class follows and lasts until 4 p.m. and costs $65 for the full day of instruction and certification.