myWHRO SIGN IN
The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick
September 17, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO TV15
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s ten-part 18-hour documentary series, The Vietnam War, tells the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history as it has never been told on film. The series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses from all sides – Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam.
In the words of WHRO's Director of Community Engagement, Nancy Rogan: "...we must provide ways to recognize and honor those who sacrificed for us and those who returned to an unwelcome nation. Ken Burn’s upcoming documentary, The Vietnam War, provides an opportunity to share stories that reveal personal and insightful memories of soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors, their friends and families."
To launch this epic series, WHRO will offer three preview screenings with readings and testimonials, all designed to bring the stories of those who served to life.
Presentation 1: Stories from the Wall
Thursday, June 15, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Williamsburg Public Library
Community members, including Vietnam Veterans, present readings of remembrances left online by friends and family for soldiers whose names are on The Virtual Vietnam Memorial Wall. The presentation will be followed by a preview screening of The Vietnam War.
Presentation 2: The Vietnam Graffiti Project
Thursday, July 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Slover Library
Vietnam Graffti Project presents the stories, through graffti left on a troopship’s bunk canvases, of young American soldiers and Marines going to Vietnam during the 1960s. Their stories reflect the attitudes and events during a turbulent decade of our nation’s history—the 1960s. The presentation will be followed by a preview screening of The Vietnam War.
Presentation 3: The Telling Project
Tuesday, August 15, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
A national performing arts non-proft, The Telling Project employs theater to deepen our understanding of the military and veterans’ experiences. Veterans will read scripts developed from their own personal lives. The presentation will be followed by a preview screening of The Vietnam War.
About Virginia's Stories From The Wall:
As the years move us further and further from the realities of the Vietnam War and recognition of the young men and women who served, we must find ways to keep alive the memories of those who sacrificed, and honor those who returned home to an unwelcome nation.
Over 1,300 Virginians lost their lives in the Vietnam War. To honor their memory, WHRO will offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of soldiers, friends and family through various artistic forms. Live readings, an art display, and interactive digital content, will give audiences a greater connection to, compassion for, and understanding of events and realities of The Vietnam War.
Providing a platform for conversations requires a channel to elicit open dialogue and connect individuals to a shared experience. As art is a neutral convener that can connect individuals regardless of ethnicity, gender, orientation or age, WHRO will offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of soldiers, friends and family through various art forms. Through live readings, an art display, and interactive digital content, audiences will have a greater connection to, compassion for, and understanding of events and realities of The Vietnam War.
For more information, visit our events page.
Local corporate sponsorship provided by:
Atlantic Shores Retirement Community
Norfolk Academy
Thomas Nelson Community College
