Discussion Questions

Aired August 28, 2003

U.N. envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello was among 22 people who died in the bombing of the U.N.'s headquarters in Iraq last week. Master Sergeant Bill von Zehle talks about his attempt to rescue de Mello.

1. Who was Sergio Vieira de Mello? Under what circumstances did he die? What action did Master Sergeant Bill von Zehle take to save de Mello? How did this experience impact von Zehle?

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2. Why did von Zehle decide to tell his story? What term does von Zehle use to describe de Mello during his last minutes and hours? What plea did de Mello make right before he died?

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3. Do you think the United Nations should honor de Mello's request and keep the U.N. mission open in Iraq? State your rationale.

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4. What thoughts and feelings did you have while you watched the segment? Do you think this was an important story to tell? Why or why not?

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Related Links

CNN.com: De Mello to be buried in France (http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/08/22/sprj.irq.intl.demello.reut/index.html)

U.N.'s profile of de Mello (http://www.un.org/News/dh/iraq/demello-bio.htm)

Keywords

Sergio Vieira de Mello, Bill von Zehle, United Nations, Iraq, rescue, nobility, post traumatic stress