Movie Review - Ken Burns The War

A very interesting look at World War II and the lives of those who lived it on the front lines and on the home front.
I was very pleased with the work that Ken Burns did in making his documentary "The War". I hope that it encourages more vets to participate in the Library of Congress's Veterans Project. I was surprised after all the uproar of some who felt Ken Burns did not represent the Latino contribution. There is some great interviews of Japanese Americans of the 442nd and also there was a lot about the African American contribution. So after all the hype of those who felt Ken's documentary was biased I say they must not have watched the same show I saw.
The first part probably hit me the closest to home, and I did have some hellish dreams that night. The unit that I found of most interest (which may be why I ended up dreaming I was there) fought a rear action in New Guinea. These U.S. Troops performed guerrilla operations within the enemy’s rear and were very successful in interrupting and disrupting the enemy. They didn’t have a lot of information on that operation and I am still searching for a good source.
Mr. Burns addressed PTSD very well. It is sad how ignored and stigmatized PTSD was back then. There have been a couple other specials that have discussed this important issue. One thing I found interesting is how many Vietnam vets have been re-experiencing PTSD. One of those interviewed said that every time he watches the News he feels anxious and upset and his PTSD had come back again. To him and all Americans I say STOP watching the News on TV !! Argh ! I know I sound unsympathetic to some, by saying that. However it has been haunting me since I heard him say that the News had affected him so badly. Our news today focuses so much on the bad and not on the successes that the News is now completely out of touch with the realities. The fact is War is hell. It grinds up good men in hopes of bringing security and freedom to those in need. There are many Veteran groups, other than the VA that are very helpful in the treatment of PTSD. If you have a friend or family who has served, be sure to encourage them to seek help if you see a change in their character or behavior. Here is some links for how to spot PTSD.
PTSD, a specific diagnosis, is not the only psychological damage soldiers can sustain. And experts say that mental disorders can make the already rugged transition from military to civilian life a harrowing one. Soldiers can experience depression, hypervigilance, insomnia, emotional numbing, recurring nightmares and intrusive thoughts. And in many cases, the symptoms worsen with time, leaving the victims at higher risk for alcohol and drug abuse, unemployment, homelessness and suicide. - msnbc
I hear the words humanity and humane used so much nowadays that it has lost all meaning. It makes me think, have we forgotten/ignored how inhumane humans can be? As long as there are humans there is likely to be wars. The moment we forget that, and we let our guard down, we take two steps backwards. - Ian Bach

Veteran's History Project - Library of Congress

I have been watching the PBS special "the War" which is based on information about World War II collected by the Veteran's History Project. I hope to encourage more people to get involved with this project. I think it is a great project. I have learned a lot about military groups and operations I previously had never heard of. Veterans from all Wars are encouraged to participate. - Ian Bach

"The War" by Ken Burns, The story of World War II is a story shared by millions of Americans, but as time goes by, many of these stories are being lost. For those who served our nation, from the battlefront to the home front, every story deserves to be heard. That's where you can help.

PBS and Florentine Films have partnered with the Veterans History Project (VHP) in a massive effort to capture the stories of men and women who experienced the war first-hand before the generation that witnessed World War II has passed.

The Veterans History Project is part of the Library of Congress and honors American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them by preserving stories of their service to our country. VHP collects and archives the one-of-a-kind stories that represent the diversity of the veterans who served our country — veterans from all conflicts, from all branches of the military, all ranks, all races and ethnicities.

The Veterans History Project relies on volunteers to collect and preserve stories of wartime service.

Primary focus is on first-hand accounts of
U.S. Veterans from the following wars:

• World War I (1914-1920)
• World War II (1939-1946)
• Korean War (1950-1955)
• Vietnam War (1961-1975)
• Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)
• Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)

In addition, those U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.

How did the Veterans History Project start?

The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380), sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000.

Organizations can become official partners: veterans' associations, military and history organizations, colleges and classrooms, and ongoing veterans' oral history projects. Please visit our partner page for more information on how to become an Official Partner or Official Youth Partner.

PBS Web page

http://www.pbs.org/thewar/vet_hist_project.htm

"The War" Ken Burns

World War II documentary on PBS. With the slogan, "During extraordinary times, their are no ordinary people."

I am looking forward to viewing this 7 part documentary that focuses on interviews with U.S. veterans and the people back home. PBS will be airing the documentary soon. In Los Angles it will start Sept. 23rd on KCET.

Some people have voiced views that the show neglects the contributions of Hispanic Americans during WW2. San Fransisco will be airing an edited version omitting some language (Ian rolls his eyes). I know Berkley is a communist nursery...... but come on guys. Someone please smack these hippies with their dang love beads and wake them up.

Ken Burns picked 4 small towns. I don't know of any major Hispanic forces created from the 4 small towns Mr. Burns picked. But I want to say this. Hispanics did contribute much to the U.S. effort. However there was also an all Japanese Unit that was one of the most decorated (per man) Unit in WW2. There was also the Black Airmen that flew P-51 Mustangs defending B-17 Bombers over Berlin, they were another one of our best military Units. The fact is if I made a documentary I am sure I would be talking with Americans with Scottish or German decent, like myself. I would be able to understand their struggle and plight and cultural values more readily than if I tried to understand someone with African, Asian or Hispanic heritage/decent. So I say get over it and make a Hispanic documentary and PBS I am sure will air it. They have aired them in the past and I have enjoyed those and ones about the Japanese and Black troops.

One thing is certain as a result of Ken Burns Documentary many more of the 17 million living veterans will now have a chance and know where to tell their story. The Library of Congress will now get a lot more backing and data for their "the Veterans History project" which collects stories and interviews from veterans and family members. The Veterans history Project collects information and story's from all war veterans in America. From letters during the Cival war, through WW1 and WW2, to the modern Gulf wars. So I say good job Mr. Burns for allowing so many people to find an outlet to tell their storys so that generations to come will be able to read and learn more, and to view War threw the eyes of those who have lived it and those at home who bare its toll. - Ian Bach