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We watched the last two of seven episodes of the documentary film “The War” by Ken Burns on PBS tonight.

A very powerful film focused on the citizens of four American towns during WWII: Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; Waterbury, Connecticut; and Luverne, Minnesota.  In nearly fifteen hours the film tells the story from the trenches and the homes of people who lived it.

It’s very graphic, emotional and humbling.  I’d highly recommend it.  There’s film and photos I’ve never seen and I’ve watched a lot of WWII historical documentaries.  It does a good job aligning the events happening at “home” with those of the War.

I couldn’t help but think what my own father must have experienced which he would never speak of.

He was with the 808th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to the 80th Infantry division, 3rd Army during late 1944.  They later were attached to the 76th and finally the 65th Infantry Divisions.

The 808th took part in the 3rd Army push into Germany and were among forces that liberated the Gotha, Germany, concentration camp.

Technorati Tags: documentary, ken burns, pbs, the war, wwii

3 Comments

  1. I loved it also. Brought tears to my eyes many times over the 14 hours. I was so proud of my father, fighter pilot Quentin Aanenson.

    His son.

  2. Jerry,

    Thank you for your comment.

    Your father’s accounts were deeply touching and thought provoking. I can only imagine what it’s like for you watching this series. It no doubt was difficult for him to recount those days in such detail.

    You should be proud of him. We are as well.

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