If you implement ParentItemID as a public property in your user control, then you should be able to set it declaratively, e.g.
Martin is right you should be able to set it in declarative way (in case your property is public) . But your way should also work (just cast it properly).
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.