KZSM — Celebrating today and every day
As we observe our country’s birthday today, we at KZSM.org celebrate our national identity and uphold the traditions of free speech and expression that shape it. Community radio offers an open forum for information and opinion from all sectors of our society, and some of our programs specifically address our shared commitment to our national ideals.
On “We the People” (Fridays 7-8 p.m.), hosts Rob Roark and Quad D focus on local issues and interview local elected officials, community leaders, activists, educators, and businesspeople. Roark is one of the founders of KZSM.org, and his show, like the station itself, reflects his vision of the true purpose of community radio—"to give the voices to people.” The show exists to provide the information people need to be active in the community. As Roark describes it, “you may not be able to make a difference at the federal level, but you can at the local, regional, and state level.”
On “We the People” this past Friday, he honored the upcoming holiday by reading the full text of the Declaration of Independence, as he does every year. “People need to hear the strong words that founded this country,” he explains.
KZSM.org also honors our nation and its defenders with “Veterans Hour,” a broadcast dedicated to “those who serve, and those who serve those who serve.” Today and every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon, hosts “Diesel” Dee Bartlett and “Steady” Steve Jones review resources available to veterans and their families and conduct interviews, providing valuable information through an hour of relaxed conversation, often taking a light-hearted look at serious topics.
Jones was a medical technician in the Air Force for five years; Bartlett served seven years in the Army as a journalist. Bartlett became a host on “Veterans Hour” through her involvement with the Soldiers Songs and Voices program, a non-profit that provides free instruments and songwriting lessons to veterans as a form of post-conflict care. They help veterans “turn their stories into songs so the nation can hear their voices.”
On today’s “Veterans Hour” Bartlett and Jones will be celebrating the Fourth of July with fellow veteran and musician David Schunck. They will discuss his musical background and his own work with the Soldiers Songs and Voices program. In addition, they will reflect on the meaning of Independence Day for veterans and for all of us.
