Could everybody please take a seat . It really is a good morning, this is one of the first days of the year when spring is something other than a rumor. Welcome to one of all. My name is Tom Birmingham in i and i am Pioneer Institute senior fellow in education. This is the third forum that i i have posted over the last two months since joining pioneer. Given the lineup this morning, i believe you are in for a real treat. As is usual, we can expect a robust and Free Exchange of ideas varied opinions when we have the presentation on teaching world war ii in Public Schools. We would also like to express a very warm welcome to cspan , which is joining us this morning. The timing could hardly be better given that this week marks the 70th anniversary of victory in europe today. Day. Several guest speakers are heading to europe to celebrate. But first, let me thank our events cosponsors. The massachusetts historical society, the program of education policy and governance at Harvards Kennedy s