The "Silent Generation" is an apt name for many of those who fought in World War II. I listened to this program over and over as it brought back memories of my father who fought in the Pacific and died this year. The program resonated with the very spirit of those who fought with total dedication to their country in the war that made a difference. For years, I would wake at night to hear my father sitting in the kitchen unable to sleep. Before I heard of post-traumatic stress, I could never understand why he sat for hours reading the newspaper at 2 am and still got up the next day to go to work to support his family. Once, going through boxes in the basement, I found a machete and other momentos of his service on an aircraft carrier twice attacked by kamikazes and as part of the occupying force in Tokyo at the end of war. Though I brought these to his attention, he never spoke about his experiences until only a few years before his death. Again, like the men in this program, he wanted to focus on the "positive." I only hope that this program remains in circulation for a long time so we can remember the strength of these courageous men.
With Memorial Day coming up, this would be a good piece for programmers to check out. This documentary focuses on the generation of soldiers who were the "tough it out" men before the diagnoses of "post-traumatic stress." The "Silent Generation"--the ones who wouldn't, couldn't talk about the horrors they experienced without fear of going mad. Producer Helen Borten skillfully interviews men who admittedly have never shared their memories of the people they did not want to kill, the fellow soldiers who fell beside them, the women and children slaughtered before their eyes. The stories are unforgettable and necessary for us to hear and to remember. It is an important historic document that could and should be aired as long as there is war.
Comments for The Silent Generation: From Saipan to Tokyo
Produced by Helen Borten
Other pieces by Helen Borten
Rating Summary
3 comments
Shari Gent
Posted on May 24, 2006 at 10:27 AM | Permalink
Review of The Silent Generation: From Saipan to Tokyo
The "Silent Generation" is an apt name for many of those who fought in World War II. I listened to this program over and over as it brought back memories of my father who fought in the Pacific and died this year. The program resonated with the very spirit of those who fought with total dedication to their country in the war that made a difference. For years, I would wake at night to hear my father sitting in the kitchen unable to sleep. Before I heard of post-traumatic stress, I could never understand why he sat for hours reading the newspaper at 2 am and still got up the next day to go to work to support his family. Once, going through boxes in the basement, I found a machete and other momentos of his service on an aircraft carrier twice attacked by kamikazes and as part of the occupying force in Tokyo at the end of war. Though I brought these to his attention, he never spoke about his experiences until only a few years before his death. Again, like the men in this program, he wanted to focus on the "positive." I only hope that this program remains in circulation for a long time so we can remember the strength of these courageous men.
Dmae Lo Roberts
Posted on May 24, 2006 at 10:24 AM | Permalink
Review of The Silent Generation: From Saipan to Tokyo
With Memorial Day coming up, this would be a good piece for programmers to check out. This documentary focuses on the generation of soldiers who were the "tough it out" men before the diagnoses of "post-traumatic stress." The "Silent Generation"--the ones who wouldn't, couldn't talk about the horrors they experienced without fear of going mad. Producer Helen Borten skillfully interviews men who admittedly have never shared their memories of the people they did not want to kill, the fellow soldiers who fell beside them, the women and children slaughtered before their eyes. The stories are unforgettable and necessary for us to hear and to remember. It is an important historic document that could and should be aired as long as there is war.
david gerstel
Posted on May 26, 2011 at 07:27 AM | Permalink
Thank You.
Thank you for this program. It so closely replicates my experience, though this is much more brutal, in Viet Nam. I honor these men.