Third Documentary on Tucson Veterans Premieres Next Week

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Third Documentary on Tucson Veterans Premieres Next Week

Leonard Sobel (left, with unidentified fellow Marine) is one of the veterans featured in Tucson "Remembers: War in the Pacific." (Photo courtesy of Leonard Sobel)

Tucsonans recall their WWII experiences in "Tucson Remembers: War in the Pacific."

By University Communications
March 5, 2008

KUAT 6 next week will premiere "Tucson Remembers: War in the Pacific," in which Southern Arizona veterans talk about their experiences after the war.

The program, airing Monday at 8 p.m., follows the highly acclaimed programs “Tucson Remembers: The War Years” and “Tucson Remembers: The Battle for Europe,” which premiered in December 2006 and September 2007, respectively.

“War in the Pacific” revisits some of the men and women featured in the previous programs and also introduces new individuals who, in the intimacy of their own homes, tell their stories and bring one of the biggest chapters in the history of the world down to a very personal, emotional experience. The program includes their personal photos along with National Archive film footage.

“War in the Pacific” illustrates the profound effects of the war on the world, on America and on individuals. Prior to entering the war, America was dealing with the lasting effects of the Great Depression; after victory, it economically and socially rebounded and acheieved influence in world politics that it did not have before the war.

The program shows how the years away from family and loved ones, the intense ordeal of combat, the isolation, and the camaraderie and friendships changed people. For instance, many of the veterans used their war experience along with the GI Bill to start careers that were unattainable before.

"All the stories the veterans shared for the 'Tucson Remembers' series are amazing, especially those of the war in the Pacific – the oppressive conditions on the islands, the tenacious and relentless enemy and the logistical struggles. As one veteran of the battle for Iwo Jima says, 'Everyone who served in World War II is a hero.' I wholeheartedly agree, and they are heroes yet again, for retelling and reliving their memories for us," said documentary producer Tom Kleespie.

“Tucson Remembers: War in the Pacific” airs as part of KUAT 6's spring membership campaign. Arizona Public Media is affiliated with the PBS and National Public Radio and is an educational broadcast and production resource of The University of Arizona.