Monday, November 10, 2008

Time in a Film Canister

The grandchildren of recently deceased Englewood,Colorado man found "time in a bottle" after his passing. But in this case it was time in three old film canisters. As Brian Williams reports here; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#27650485 they had the film developed and on it were black and white scenes of dogfights over the French and German countryside. The film is of very good quality and gives a never before seen glimpse of this part of the war.

But there's something missing (as far as I'm concerned anyway. What was the film makers story? Why didn't he share the footage with his children and grandchildren while he was still alive? Where was it stored? What was the story?

So many WWII veterans pass away before telling their story. This story really brings home what seems to be happening more and more. If you know a veteran of WWII, please, please...take the time to hear their story. And then go one step further; write it down. It saddens me to think that this man, who I hope led a wonderful and fulfilled life, didn't share what was behind the lens of the camera before the story was gone forever. So please-take time today, won't you?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen,

Is there a Veterans hospital near you? If you were to visit, perhaps some of the veterans there would like to share their stories.

Did you watch the Vietnam War drama, "China Beach"- back in the late 80s early 90s? One of my favorite shows of all time.

Barbara Martin said...

Karen, from those men whom I have spoken to, I was told they did not want to relive those horrid and tragic days. Even my uncle, when I presented him with a photo of his best friend on a motorcycle in England taken during WWII, ripped it up infront of me (to my shock). The man had died in a dogfight over Germany and my uncle admonished me over presenting the photo as he wanted to forget. This may be a reason why.

Karen Fisher-Alaniz said...

Gypsy- I didn't watch China Beach. I remember hearing about it but didn't watch it. I really wasn't interested in all this until it became personal about ten years or so ago.

There is a VA hospital nearby actually, right here in my town. Great idea!

Wow Barbara- that's really sad. I agree it is a difficult line to walk. I haven't had any negative experiences like that. In fact, it's been quite the opposite. Every veteran I've talked to (from that era) have been more than anxious to tell their story. That doesn't mean there aren't any hard parts or tears, but my experience has been that there is healing in the retelling. It makes sense that this isn't true for all though. I'm so sorry for your uncle. The memories he lives with must be so painful. I hope that he has found some peace. ~Karen

guillermo said...

The grandchildren of lately departed Englewood, Colorado man found time in a bottle after his passing. But it was like the time in three old film canisters. Many students wanted to know about http://www.apostrophechecker.com/rules-for-possessive-apostrophes/. Brian Williams also stated that they had the film settled and on it were black and white scenes of dog encounters over the French and German landscape.

guillermo said...

There is some blog where a girl who could not read for many years. Just sit and read here. She has waited 14 long years to be capable to read and desires to share her love of books with anyone who loves to get lost in a world of their own fancy. You can get to know more about her by visiting her blog.

guillermo said...

There is a blog about some girl who is some much into reading and books. You can learn more if you like. In case you are one of them and want to know more about books as great minds are think alike you can visit this blog and would be able to get to know more about the blogger.

Hildegard Flatley said...

The workplaces in gigantic city's enlightening foundations are very huge and sensible for the understudies who start from https://www.biowritingservice.com/dj-bio/ division. They can continue with the life fittingly outside the home as they get the motel and other supportive workplaces in such foundations of colossal urban zones.

Hildegard Flatley said...

A schoolchild can hear music in recreation period to make mind cool and new after examination a ton of troublesome click to read subjects. You have examined well about the significance of music and tunes for the understudies to remain dynamic constantly.