Ron Kovic is an American anti-war activist, artist, and former United States Marine Corps sergeant.
MY HERO recommends reading the following stories to learn more about Ron Kovic - decorated marine, peace activist, and artist.
Kovic was losing faith in the war effort. After seeing demonstrators clubbed in the streets, he joined the protesters.
Ron is also a self-taught expressionist, who paints with authority and with love. The guiding principle behind his visceral and lyrical paintings is love and humanism.
Great for ESL students - the following story by Anabelle Vo includes an audio link that allows students to read and listen to the story.
I recently had the chance to speak with a man named Ron Kovic. Ron Kovic has devoted his life to fighting for peace and nonviolence.
Analyze this portrait of Ron Kovic by Robert Shetterly. Look closely at the words in the background. Why did Robert Shetterly chose this quote to include in this portrait? Do you have a hero who works for peace? Consider creating a portrait of your hero and include a quote that represents that person in your artwork.
After Robert Shetterly met Ron Kovic in Los Angeles, he painted his portrait as part of the Americans Who Tell the Truth series.
MY HERO recommends students watch these short films to learn more about Ron Kovic's journey from Vietnam veteran to well-known peace activist.
Loretta Smith, a close friend of Ron Kovic, documents his amazing journey as a Vietnam war veteran and a world-renowned peace activist. (6:40 minutes)
Learn more about Ron Kovic's multifaceted life, overcoming hardship and transforming into an author, painter, and activist who has worked for world peace over the last 40 years. (4:23 minutes)
Listen to Ron Kovic speak in the following audio clip and film.
Please enjoy this BBC Interview of Ron Kovic.
Ron Kovic shares his passion for a better world. (5:22 minutes)
2. Do you know anyone who is an activist for peace? Share his or her story with MY HERO.
3. What are some challenges veterans face today? Identify someone who is working to help veterans, and share his or her story with MY HERO.
4. What can you do to promote a more peaceful and tolerant world? Create an action plan and share your story with MY HERO?
Expressionist Artwork by Ron Kovic
Students analyze art created by Ron Kovic. How does the artist incorporate words to enhance his art? What message is the artist conveying? Using Kovic's art as inspiration, students are encouraged to create their own expressionist artwork to convey a message of peace.
This photo of activist, artist and author Ron Kovic with one of his later drawings shows how engaged he is in the process of making expressionist art.
Ron Kovic painted this image during the Winship cottage period, after his term of duty in the war, when he was faced with the job of reintegrating himself into the life of a citizen of the United States.
Inspired by D.H. Lawrence from Lady Chatterly's Lover
After the Vietnam war, Ron Kovic moved to California. He became an artist during his recovery from the physical and psychological wounds he suffered.
Kovic's art is born of protest and participation in the democratic process, which is demonstrated in this flag-based work of art.
Ron Kovic's Winship Cottage period was a very fertile time for this artist activist, and this work shows the exuberant expressionist style he developed there.
"This was done during the Winship Cottage period. I felt very creative. I just didn't care what other people thought."
Students will recognize challenges that members of armed forces face when engaged in a war, and what wounded veterans face when they return home. Students will identify peace activists who inspire them and evaluate what steps can be taken to work toward a more peaceful world. Students are encouraged to formulate an action plan and create an original piece of art promoting peace.
MY Hero Film Festival: Ron Kovic Peace Prize
The MY HERO Film Festival is honored to annually bestow the Ron Kovic Peace Prize to the director of the short film that most effectively addresses the issue of world peace. For more information click on the link to the right.
Teachers: Visit MY HERO for additional curated multimedia resources honoring Ron Kovic.
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The Ron Kovic lesson plan was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
Learn About a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
Organizer created on 6/19/2019 10:51:41 AM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 6/28/2021 3:21:02 PM by Laura Nietzer
