Best Memorial Day Entertainment

As we are enjoying the long weekend; we always spend a good amount of time focusing on the meaning of Memorial Day. We especially made sure we did that when our kids were young, including a stop at our church that celebrated America and those who protect(ed) her.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in activities and events that are not related the meaning of Memorial Day in any way or just quickly in passing. It is the weekend for Americans to take their first mini-vacation of the summer season; or participate in a string of activities from picnics and bar-b-ques to block parties, from trips to the local amusement parks now on their summer schedules to postponed projects around the house or involving or taking out the ‘summer toys’ including boats, sea-doos, motor bikes and ATV’s… And before they know it the weekend is gone and nobody even mentioned the reason for Memorial Day. (And don’t get me wrong… we always watch the Indianapolis 500… Congrats to Dario Franchitti!)

I am a first generation American immigrant from a family full of more recent immigrants and one of my fondest childhood memories is of family events where I would sit and soak in the conversation and stories. My mother was German and served in the (German) Red Cross during WWII where she met my father, an Austrian soldier in a medical unit. They married in an American prisoner of war camp after the war (where the Americans made my mother a wedding gown out of gauze from the medical unit supplies). My grandparents went through WWI in Germany. My uncle and his brother served in the Korean War and their father served in the U.S. army in WWI. It was fascinating because we heard personal stories and accounts from several perspectives and since that time we have added relatives and friends who have served in Viet Nam, Somalia, the first and second Iraq conflicts and now in Afghanistan.

There is no greater country on earth than America and there is nobody that deserves more credit for the great lives we live and the freedoms we all enjoy than our Founding Fathers and our troops who have fought for us, sacrificed and given their lives to keep us safe and free for over 235 years, since before we were a nation. Unfortunately we are no longer teaching history in our schools and if you do learn some, it has generally been re-written. As citizens, parents, grandparents and patriots, it is our job to inform ourselves and to reverse this cycle by returning to teaching and learning history from “original sources” and passing it on.

If you can get there, a trip to Washington D.C. and Arlington Cemetery is the ideal Memorial Day trip or summer vacation destination. Some other great Memorial Day Weekend activities are visiting a Presidential Library or civil war battle field, watching the yearly special honoring our troops from DC, visiting a veteran’s grave locally or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reading a book about one of the wars we have fought in or about the founding of our nation and sharing about it over dinner or at an event. And watching a movie or movies (hopefully with some accuracy) about one of the wars and then perhaps following up on the history behind it is another. We all know that even the best films throw in a little “Hollywood” slant and sizzle (unfortunately sometimes too much), but the right movies can be a great place to spark our children’s interest in history and a jump off point for us to learn more!

Some years, like this Memorial Day Weekend, when gas prices are high and the economy is slow a great weekend is just staying local and participating in or attending the city parade or event, visiting a nearby cemetery, catching the yearly PBS Memorial Day Special from DC and spending your time at home with family, friends (or even alone) eating some comfort food, reading a worthwhile book related to the holiday or our history and/or creating your own film festival of war movies. Below are a few to start with. There are many more that you can add to the selection. One of my favorite movies for both Memorial Day and the 4th of July is Yankee Doodle Dandy about George M. Cohan, starring James Cagney. It is a musical that some might say is a bit corny, but it highlights the patriotic music of our country and somewhat balances out the serious and somber war movies. The songs therein were songs every American child learned in school and every American could sing until recent years.

A few movie suggestions (always good and great at Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Veterans Day):

Saving Private Ryan (Blu-Ray)(WWII): Is at the top of almost everyone’s ‘best’ war movie or movie from that era list.

The Hunt for Red October (Blu-Ray) (cold war): This cold-war submarine flick is a must for author Clancy fans, starring Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery.

Tunes of Glory (post-WWII): A well-regarded 1960 film starring Alec Guinness and John Mills in post-war Scotland.

Das Boot (Blu-Ray) (WWII): A claustrophobic thriller set aboard a German submarine.

Hope and Glory (WWII): Funny and touching, it tells the story of the British home-front in World War II.

Danger UXB (WWII) (hard to find): A TV series from my mom’s post-Brideshead Revisited phase. It also takes place on the British home-front with a squad in charge of defusing unexploded German bombs (“UXBs”).

The Bridge on the River Kwai (WWII, pictured above): An all-time classic, again starring Alec Guiness and William Holden. A great collection for WWII buffs is the WWII 60th Anniversary Collection (The Guns of Navarone/From Here to Eternity/The Bridge on the River Kwai) (Includes Collectible Scrapbook)

Mrs. Miniver (WWII): More from the British home-front, starring Greer Garson.

The War – PBS 7-Part Special Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (WWII): A "Peoples History" of WWII with all original footage and photos.

Lawrence of Arabia (WWI): Another classic, and one of my favorite “see it on the big screen” type of movie.

Letters from Iwo Jima (Blu-Ray) (WWII): Clint Eastwood’s deeply thoughtful look at the Japanese perspective of World War II. And the companion piece, Flags of Our Fathers (Blu-Ray).

M*A*S*H (Korean War): Robert Altman’s black comedy that spurred the long-running TV series, which is also available on DVD now.

Gallipoli (WWI): Not exactly uplifting, but a powerful drama.

Joyeux Noel (WWI): Another one from the Great War. It’s based on a true event in which opposing armies take a respite for the holiday. (Special Collection) I remember my dad telling stories like this from WWII.

Platoon (Viet Nam War): Best Picture of the Year Oscar Winner (1986) that was part of Oliver Stone’s trilogy of Vietnam War films, also including Born on the Fourth of July (1989) — winner of two Academy Awards and Heaven & Earth (1993)

The Patriot (Blu-Ray) (Revolutionary War): An emotional, vivid, and palpable story about a South Carolina Family during the Revolutionary War with an excellent cast including Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger.

Black Hawk Down (Somalia Conflict): Depicting the Battle of Mogadishu, a raid integral to the United States’ effort to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

North & South (Civil War mini-series): An epic series with Patrick Swayze and Kirstie Alley.

The Hurt Locker (Iraq-Afghanistan Conflicts) The little film that beat out the mega monen blockbuster; won the 2010 Best Picture of the Year Oscar.

American Soldier: The Complete History of U.S. Wars : As Seen On PBS : Complete 4 Disc Box Set -With Bonus : A Historical Overview Of American Weapons

Others worth a mention including some of my own favorites: Patton, The Clock, The Great Escape, Stalag 17, Casablanca, The Guns of Navarone, The Deer Hunter, Glory, Breaker Morant (hard to find DVD (VHS), We Were Soldiers, Midway, Dr. Strangelove, Or…, Buffalo Soldiers, Tora! Tora! Tora!, The Forgotten Grave, The True Story of the Fighting Sullivans…, All Quiet on the Western Front, Band of Brothers, John Adams, Gone with the Wind… my favorite movie of all times.

Some great books to start or re-start your journey through America’s history with are: The Real George Washington; The Original Argument, A Patriot’s History of the United States…, Original Intent, Giants, The 5000 Year Leap, Glenn Beck's Common Sense, The Greatest Generation (on Kindle), War Letters, Being George Washington and Killing Lincoln.

There are many many more great films about American involved wars and the troops who fought them. Sorry if I missed one of your favorites! Unfortunately… “Freedom Is Not Free!!”, so we owe those who fought for us the respect of remembering and remembering the truth.

God Bless America, our troops, our veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families!

Originally posted by Ask Marion on 06.05.11 - Updated 05.27.12 9:38p.m. CT

Technorati Tags: freedom is not free,History,Hollywood,Memorial Day,movies,Oscars,respect,troops,War,war movies,Washington DC,sacrifice,holidys,the ultimate sacrifice,remembering,veterans,knowledge is power,learning from history,Memorial Day activities,Memorial Day Weekend,Founding Fathers,freedom

USS Arizona Eternal Peace

Video:  Eternal Peace

Remembering the Pacific is a video podcast series that presents the personal stories behind World War II's Pacific Theater. Hear American and Japanese servicemen tell their war stories from December 7, 1941 through the war to the ongoing reconciliation between the two countries. Witness the effects on the home front as American and Japanese civilians recount the emotions of the war years and come to terms with loved ones lost, sacrifices made and recognition of civil rights. Hear about the personal importance of the memorials and the lasting impacts of the Pacific War.

Video:  USS Arizona

h/t to Tony Caputo

One Falls Along the Way… Goodbye Andrew Breitbart

Update: Shocking Video: Andrew Breitbart’s Last Interview Was With Sheriff Joe Arpaio About Obama Eligibility  - - His company will be launching a new site on Sunday that he has been working on for 2-years. He has been working around the clock, that with his heart problems could have contributed to his death.

I cannot say that I knew Andrew Breitbart well, but I knew him, spent time with him at a tea party event in Santa Ana (where he and his father-in-law Orson Bean spoke) and it felt like he was a friend I’d known forever. And from what I hear, he made everyone feel that way. He was fun, exuberant, and bigger than life. It was one of my first tea party events and he welcomed me and let me hangout with the “Big” Dogs.  He was definitely a friend of the people, of America and of the fight to “right” our ship of state!

Andrew’s death at only 43 is a terrible loss and he will be missed.  Andrew was a powerful force and an outspoken light in the wilderness for the conservative movement.  He leaves behind a wife (daughter of Orson Bean) and 4-small children that he adored and a political family that loved him as well.

Breitbart was not always political, his parents were secular liberals; he grew up in Southern California. His first big job was for the very liberal Huffington Post.  Like many who get involved in the trenches and see the reality they find their voice and often move to the right (like David Horowitz).

Most recently, Breitbart made a splash at CPAC and he is well known for exposing Anthony Weiner and providing a platform in the battle against ACORN.  Andrew Breitbart had his own special style, almost a mirror image of Abbey Hoffman… an actor and warrior, but for the right.   He loved his work, loved fighting for the cause and against the left, loved the political theatre and even loved making enemies.  He was on a mission.  As my dear friend Terresa Monroe Hamilton from the NoisyRoom, who knew him better than I, writes below, “I will miss you my friend!”

Marion Algier~

Conservative Blogger and Publicist – Andrew Breitbart

Sometimes, God takes his warriors home early and so was the case today with Andrew Breitbart.

The Conservative Blogosphere is in shock and mourning today as the news of Andrew’s passing circulates – he was 43. I am numb and am very sad – today I lost a friend and mentor. His family lost a caring husband, a wonderful father and their center of gravity. Conservatives lost a happy warrior, a leader and a true scrapper. The loss is immeasurable. He was described as “the Upton Sinclair of the mainstream media.”

From Fox News:

Breitbart was walking near his house in the Brentwood neighborhood shortly after midnight Thursday when he collapsed, his father-in-law Orson Bean said.

Someone saw him fall and called paramedics, who tried to revive him. They rushed him to the emergency room at UCLA Medical Center, Bean said. Breitbart had suffered heart problems a year earlier, but Bean said he could not pinpoint what happened.

From Big Hollywood:

Andrew passed away unexpectedly from natural causes shortly after midnight this morning in Los Angeles.

We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior.

Andrew lived boldly, so that we more timid souls would dare to live freely and fully, and fight for the fragile liberty he showed us how to love.

Andrew recently wrote a new conclusion to his book, Righteous Indignation:

I love my job. I love fighting for what I believe in. I love having fun while doing it. I love reporting stories that the Complex refuses to report. I love fighting back, I love finding allies, and—famously—I enjoy making enemies.

Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.

Andrew is at rest, yet the happy warrior lives on, in each of us.

I will grieve today and for a long time for his passing and our loss. But one thing I am certain of, Andrew would want us to fight on and double down. If you ever had a doubt about what we do or if you ever felt weary, Andrew is screaming from Heaven, get over it! Move on and fight!! For myself, that is what I will do. The researchers and bloggers I know will do the same, because the fight is far bigger than any one of us. Should another fall, more will rise and carry on because we have to. Our country and our loved ones depend on it.

Rick Santorum:

“What a powerful force,” Santorum said. “What a huge loss, in my opinion, for our country and certainly for the conservative movement.”

The lion of the New Media has gone home. We remain. Honor him by fighting harder and getting better focused.

From the Drudge Report:

DEAR READER: In the first decade of the DRUDGEREPORT Andrew Breitbart was a constant source of energy, passion and commitment. We shared a love of headlines, a love of the news, an excitement about what's happening. I don't think there was a single day during that time when we did not flash each other or laugh with each other, or challenge each other. I still see him in my mind's eye in Venice Beach, the sunny day I met him. He was in his mid 20's. It was all there. He had a wonderful, loving family and we all feel great sadness for them today... MDRUDGE

I’m sure Media Matters, George Soros and Progressives are dancing in the streets this morning. I wouldn’t celebrate too hard guys. We are coming for you. You will not stay in power and you will not succeed in your evil, destructive plans. You are at the top of our dance card and we can’t wait to take you for a spin. This only makes us more determined. You’ll long for the days when Andrew walked among you, because now he is working through each of us. Let’s dance.

To Andrew’s family – Susannah and his four children, our heartfelt condolences. May you find peace and strength in the coming days and know that you are not alone. There is so much love for you and Andrew – there are millions out here for you to lean on.

Andrew was the epitome of a warrior. He dared to go where others would not, so that America could regain her freedom. He was the leader of the Tea Party Movement and he was a giant in the New Media. He pioneered a future way to get news information that was honest and timely. He brought truth and light into the darkest of corners and tread unafraid amid evil and its supporters. He has not gone, just shifted his presence. His ventures in Big Hollywood, Big Peace, Big Journalism and Big Government will continue as will the Tea Party. Andrew, you will be missed, but we will keep fighting.

I will miss my friend – he always had a kind word for me and encouraged me. Rest in peace Andrew.

By: Terresa Monroe-Hamilton - the NoisyRoom

Condolences immediately began pouring in on Twitter, a favorite social media tool of Breitbart’s.

Others on Andrew:

• The Radio Patriot
• Bookworm Room
• Video: Rush Limbaugh
• Conservative warrior Andrew Breitbart (1969-2012)
• Appreciation of Andrew Breitbart, the Champion of Young Conservatives
• Andrew Breitbart, 43, Has Died
• Jonah Goldberg Breaks Down During Fox Interview Moments After Breitbart News Hits
• Liberals Celebrate Death of Andrew Breitbart
• Was Andrew Breitbart Murdered?
• Greg Gutfeld and Sean Hannity Remember Andrew Breitbart
• Get Glenn Beck''s reaction on this tragic and surprising news of Andrew Breitbarts Passing from radio today.
• RIP Andrew - The Ulsterman:

  “This hits far closer to home than I would care to share at this time. “We got work to do.” Breitbart’s words at CPAC just recently:

  “I’ve got videos. This election we’re going to vet him”

  “To show why racial division and class warfare are central to what hope and change was sold in 2008.”

  “The videos are going to come out; the narrative is going to come out that Barack Obama met a bunch of silver ponytails back in the 1980s like Bill and Bernadine Dohrn, equally radical, who said one day we’re going to have the presidency. And the rest of us slept while they plotted....”

One Falls Along the Way… Goodbye Andrew Breitbart Cross-Posted at Knowledge Creates Power and the Daily Thought Pad - – h/t to MJ

*Greg Gutfeld, co-host of The Five and host of Redeye gave a great tribute to Andrew Breitbart on The Five today. Andrew and Greg were friends and political cohorts with a like sense of humor. Gutfeld thanked Breitbart for his introduction of Greg to Fox. Tonight on Redeye, they will do a one hour tribute to Andrew Breitbart who appeared on that show many times. Greg Gutfeld said of his friend: Breitbart Was The Spiritual Leader of the Modern Conservative, Libertarian Cause.