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Klu Klux Klan
Forrest's mother tells him that he is named after the founder of the Ku Klux Klan and Civil War hero , Nathan Bedford Forrest. -
Elvis Presley
While Elvis was staying at Forrest's house, Elvis would play his guitar and Forrest would dance. After Elvis became famous he would use Forrest's dance moves. Elvis died in 1977 and was only 42 years old. -
Paul "Bear" Bryant
Paul " Bear" Bryant was the head coach at Alabama in 1961 who recruited Forrest to play football for him and then was listed as an All-American. -
Smiley Face
While Forrest is running a man asks he for t-shirt ideas. Forrest Takes the shirt and wipes the dirt off his face. The symbol that it makes on the shirt became a very popular and recognizable symbol. -
John F. Kennedy
When Forrest was selected on the All American team he go to go to the White House and meet J.F.K. -
Vietnam War
After college Forrest was enlisted in the Army and put on the front line in Vietnam. Because people were against the war when Forrest returned home he was referred to as a "baby killer". -
Ping Pong Diplomacy
After Forrest heals from his war injuries he learns how to play ping pong. He gets so good at it that he plays on the National team against China. This is an example of Ping Pong Diplomacy. -
Watergate
Watergate was political scandal in the 1970s that involved President Nixon. Forrest reported the break in from his hotel room. After the investigation Nixon resigned. -
The Hippie Movement
After Forrest comes back home he goes to Washington D.C. . He ends up at an anti-war rally. He ends up giving a speech about his experience in Vietnam. -
The Black Panther Party
Jenny brings Forrest to a Black Panther meeting. At the time the Black Panther Party was an African American civil rights organization that was active from the 60s to the 80s. -
John Lennon
John Lennon was a famous musician and singer and was a member of the Beatles. John Lennon was known for his criticism of the Vietnam War. Forrest was asked to be a guest on a television interview with Lennon and Dick Garret. 3 years later Lennon was shot and killed.
