If you are making 2 separate calls to this file, it may be helpful for you to visualise this as being 2 functions in 2 totally separate files. Although they exist in the same PHP file, because they used called in different calls, they don't retain the value of the variable $CID. Once the file has run, the variable is destroyed and when you call the file again, the value is null again.
I'm not sure where the hold up is. The code you have will work.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.