[seeker1950]

This is a mega documentary by Ken Burns (who did Civil War). I have been glued to the TV watching the episodes, which reflect the experiences of ordinary folks in 4 towns in the US. Ken Burns has stated, I believe accurately, that the veterans of this war never talked much about their experiences, and he wanted to record them before all the veterans had passed on. Applause to him for doing so. My dad was in the South Pacific...Leyte, New Guinea, Phillipines, and Japan. He never talked about it either, and he died many years ago.
As I watch this film, I am aware of how the war affected our parents, and how much they wanted to LIVE beyond it. I am a "baby boomer"child, born in 1950, and I see now, because of this film, how affected my parents were, how optimistic they were about building a life after the trauma of WWII.
I hope all of you get to see this film.
Patty

[Perna]

Yes! I've been watching some of it (as much as I can stand, it's so painful) every night. My father-in-law was part of the "Marianas Turkey Shoot" so I keep looking to see if I see him in the film. My father was in the Pacific too and I keep listening for mention of his ships or towns where my grandparents lived, etc.

[bflatgary]

I have not seen any of this documentary, but I will catch what I can of it.

My dad is eighty years old. He speaks very softly and slowly now, much different from when he was a young man. His strong voice kept three kids in line. He never raised a hand to us. He enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school in 1945. The war was almost over. He never saw combat. He was in the reserves and was called up during the Korean War, too, but didn't see combat there, either.

I am visiting him quite regularly now. With so little time left, I want to hear all the stories. Navy stories, back home stories, family stories and anything else. I want to pass them on to the family. I have probably learned more about my dad in the last two years than I ever knew before. We still have a lot we can learn from this wonderful, elderly man.

[pachyderm]

I have avoided this documentary. I thought it would probably rehash stuff I have seen and read over the years. And probably would not analyze the whys of the subject of this war and war in general -- something that would interest me if it were to be presented, I think.

[seeker1950]

Bflatgary said, "I want to hear all the stories. "
That is why Ken Burns said he made this mega documentary...because the people who experienced it, but rarely spoke of it, should be heard, and the stories should be recorded.
One of the new things I'm learning from watching this presentation, is the vastness of WWII. I had no idea how all-encompassing it was for the entire world.
The other thing which is an awakening for me is the uniqueness of the generation of young people, men and women, who stepped up to the plate to be part of it.
Patty