If you are not using jQuery then I would simply write a validation method that you can be fired when the form is submitted. The method can validate the text fields to make sure that they are not empty or the default value. The method will return a bool value and if it is false you can fire off your alert and assign classes to highlight the fields that did not pass validation.
You can use HTML5 validations. That is very simple and you can customize your messages also. No need any javascript or jquery methods for client side validations now.
You can check this link.
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.