War-Torn 1861-2010 (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

Did anyone watch this HBO Documentary produced by actor James Gandolfini?

It was first shown on Veterans Day and is being repeated until a final showing on December 7th the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I thought it was a powerful and moving film of the caliber of HBO''s Taking Chance with Kevin Bacon. It covered the effects of war upon American soldiers in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope it receives one or more Emmy Awards. Gandolfini is to be commended for taking on this project which places PTSD in historic perspective and leaves the viewer with unforgettable images and memories of what these individuals have gone through for their nation.

http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/wartorn-1861-2010/index.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131096344

 

[Warrior]

I've watched it several times, it is very powerful and moving.

It drove home the point that unless you have fired a weapon in anger, you simply have no idea what a soldier goes through in combat, no movie, no book, NOTHING can convey what a soldier goes through.

Nobody knows what soldiers go through accept other soldiers, only they can relate, no layman can begin to imagine what they've seen and done as soldiers.

Anyone who thinks they know is kidding themselves.

And you're kidding yourself if you expect a soldier to come home and pick up where their lives left off before going off to war.

Life is never the same for any soldier, end of story.

I am glad the military is addressing PTSD, it's about time and long overdue for thousands of veterans. To what extend they are is better answered by those who served.

It's one thing to play with toy soldiers, quite another to BE a soldier.

 

[Currahee Chris]

I've watched it several times, it is very powerful and moving.

It drove home the point that unless you have fired a weapon in anger, you simply have no idea what a soldier goes through in combat, no movie, no book, NOTHING can convey what a soldier goes through.

Nobody knows what soldiers go through accept other soldiers, only they can relate, no layman can begin to imagine what they've seen and done as soldiers.

Anyone who thinks they know is kidding themselves.

And you're kidding yourself if you expect a soldier to come home and pick up where their lives left off before going off to war.

Life is never the same for any soldier, end of story.

I am glad the military is addressing PTSD, it's about time and long overdue for thousands of veterans. To what extend they are is better answered by those who served.

It's one thing to play with toy soldiers, quite another to BE a soldier.

George- this is simply the best post I have ever read on the forum. It's guys like yourself who made it all worth it. Trace Adkins says in his song "Arlington" I am thankful for those thankful for the things I've done. Your post echoes that.

Currahee my friend
CC

 

[Warrior]

George- this is simply the best post I have ever read on the forum. It's guys like yourself who made it all worth it. Trace Adkins says in his song "Arlington" I am thankful for those thankful for the things I've done. Your post echoes that.

Currahee my friend
CC

Thanks Chris, I appreciate your comments.

To anyone who hasn't seen this documentary, please do so, you'll never look at a soldier the same way again.

When you get right down to it, the reality is soldiers don't fight for a cause, for their country, for glory or for honor, they fight for each other, for the guy to their left and for the guy their right, their brothers.............

 

[lancer]

Agree with all the comments. This show is simply overpowering and needs to be seen by all. I have to say, for a TV cable company, or whatever you call them, HBO makes an outstanding product for it's viewers. BoB and the Pacific are the best. -- Al

 

[pugio]

I've watched it several times, it is very powerful and moving.

It drove home the point that unless you have fired a weapon in anger, you simply have no idea what a soldier goes through in combat, no movie, no book, NOTHING can convey what a soldier goes through.

Nobody knows what soldiers go through accept other soldiers, only they can relate, no layman can begin to imagine what they've seen and done as soldiers.

Anyone who thinks they know is kidding themselves.

And you're kidding yourself if you expect a soldier to come home and pick up where their lives left off before going off to war.

Life is never the same for any soldier, end of story.

I am glad the military is addressing PTSD, it's about time and long overdue for thousands of veterans. To what extend they are is better answered by those who served.

It's one thing to play with toy soldiers, quite another to BE a soldier.

Well said George, thanks... from a Nam combat veteran who suffers from PTSD. Probably, one of the hardest parts of this affliction is trying to explain it to someone. It can be very frustrating until a situation arises and the "someone" can see the results for themselves.

 

[Warrior]

Well said George, thanks... from a Nam combat veteran who suffers from PTSD. Probably, one of the hardest parts of this affliction is trying to explain it to someone. It can be very frustrating until a situation arises and the "someone" can see the results for themselves.

Thank YOU Andy for your service. I am sure it is impossible to explain PTSD to anyone, the only people who understand are other veterans and unless you've been through combat, you can't understand what a combat soldier goes through.

The only ones who truly understand and get it are others like yourself who have walked in your shoes as until you do, you will never, ever get it...........................

 

[Mitch]

PTSD is a disturbing illness for anyone who has to suffer from it and certainly not unique to soldiers. The medical world has struggled to come to terms with this condition and, living with someone who suffers from it I know how debilitating this illness is.
Mitch