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Between 1939 and 1945, over 60 million people died at the hands of
world conflict. The vast majority of these deaths were civilians.
Sorry for the random post, but if you haven't been watching Ken Burns'
new documentary on WWII, I would highly recommend it. It's playing on
PBS throughout October and it is nothing short of phenomenal.
I finished the 7-part series last night (each part is 2.5 hrs long).
That might sound like a serious commitment, but I bet if you cut out
all other garbage TV and replace it with this film, you'll get hooked.
It's like taking a college course on WWII and the footage, photographs
and interviews Burns has compiled makes it a captivating experience.
Not only is it an important part of our history, but I think it speaks
volumes to the terror of war in general--even when it is out of pure
necessity, as it was in WWII--and as it's not right now.
Check it out.
http://www.pbs.org/thewar/
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I never understood or cared much about the Great Wars until I visited WWI sites in Belgium and France, expecting the memorials to be half run down and empty. I shrunk back in humility and awe at the people there, the monuments, the stories, and the chanting of "we shall not forget".
It was one of the most enlightening trips I made because it opened my eyes. You never undestand so much suffering, death and total destruction until you're transported back in time... and see for yourself.
Good post.
I second all of the above. It'd do wonders if everyone could watch even a few parts of this documentary. I missed a couple nights, but I was very much moved by what I did see. Glad you posted this.
Ross I've been watching this also, although I think I'm only around hour 10 or so. It's a fantastic film and more poignant now than ever. I've seen Burns on a lot of talk shows lately and he stresses that this film would not have been possible to make 10 years ago. Now nearing the end of their lives, many of these veterans and their families are willing to expose more about the war than they ever have in the past.
A few weeks ago there was an article in Newsweek written by David Gates about The War. It sums up more than I could say about this film. It's long, but the ending is extremely powerful. check it out.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20789381/site/newsweek/