(Posted September 23, 2002)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Myra McPherson, author of the seminal best-seller "Long Time Passing: Vietnam and the Haunted Generation," will lecture at Juniata College on the psychological burdens the Vietnam War has left on a generation of Americans at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 in Alumni Hall in the Brumbaugh Science Center on the Juniata campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

McPherson's book, "Long Time Passing" was just revised and reprinted with a new introduction that links Vietnam to contemporary foreign and domestic policy. "Long Time Passing" was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and is considered the definitive account of the war's impact on America and the generation that fought in the conflict. The book?s new introduction compares Vietnam with the war in Afghanistan and examines post-traumatic stress disorder among Vietnam veterans as it relates to civilian trauma after the events of Sept. 11.

"I'm finding there is a lot more open-mindedness on campus, especially when it comes to understanding the veterans," McPherson was quoted in the Chicago Tribune. "Vietnam is fascinating to the younger generation."

McPherson came to national prominence as a reporter for the Washington Post, where she worked from 1968 to 1991 and continues to write articles for the New York Times, Salon.com and other national magazines. She is the author of two other books, "The Power Lovers: An Intimate Look at Politicians and Their Marriages" and "She Came to Live Out Loud: An Inspiring Family Journey Through Illness, Loss and Grief."

She also lectures and colleges and universities across the country and has appeared on such programs as "Nightline," "The Today Show" and CNN's "Reliable Source."

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.