You are using HTML5 markup, with XHTML 1.0 Transitional doctype.
Placeholder is a HTML5 attribute, Therefore it shouldn't be valid under xHTML 1.0 Transitional. As for the runat attribute changing the behavior, it's most likely a flaw in the system or just being suppressed for some reason.
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.