2012 Nov 7 - 7:00pm
2012 Nov 11 - 7:00pm
Wednesday, Nov. 7 - Sunday, Nov. 11
In recognition of Veterans Day and those who have served our country in the Armed Forces, Billerica First Parish UU Church, in collaboration with local members of Veterans for Peace, will show five thought provoking films, one each evening, (Wed- Sun) evoking the many faces of war and its consequences which will hopefully inspire us all to work towards peace. Each film will be shown at 7:00 p.m. All are free and open to the community.
Wed, Nov. 7 - “Why We Fight” - Begins the film series with an unflinching look at the anatomy of war making, a nonpartisan inquiry into the forces – political, economic, and ideological – that drive America to fight. Inspired by President Dwight Eisenhower’s 1961 Farewell Address in which he warned Americans about the dangers of the “military-industrial complex,” the film reveals how political and corporate interests have become alarmingly entangled in the business of war.
Thu, Nov. 8 - “Sir, No Sir” - Documents the stories of those in the military who dared to openly oppose war. – the rebellion of thousands of American soldiers against the Vietnam war – that has never been told in film. With over 500,000 incidents of desertion, and entire units refusing to go into battle in unprecedented numbers, federal prisons were filling up with soldiers jailed for their opposition to the war and the military. The film brings to life the stories of the GI movement; its explosion of defiance and how and why it has been erased from the public memory.
Fri, Nov 9 -“The Good Soldier” - An outstanding film that should be mandatory viewing for every President and member of Congress who is willing to make the decision to send men and women into war. This film portrays five combat veterans from different wars ranging from WW II to Vietnam to the Gulf War to Iraq who speak with brutal honesty of their darkest moments and moral dilemmas and brings up questions of our government supporting those they would send to die who did not die but came home.
Sat, Nov.10 - “The Ground Truth” - Powerful documentary about the patriotic young Americans – ordinary men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq – and the truth of their experiences from recruitment and training, through combat, homecoming, and the struggle to reintegrate with families and communities. Each of these soldiers becomes a new kind of hero, bearing witness and giving support to other veterans, and learning to fearlessly wield the most powerful weapon of all – the truth.
Sun, Nov. 11 - “The Welcome,” Our film series concludes with this award winning documentary that offers a powerfully personal view of life for veterans after returning home from war. The experiences of fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress affects vets and family members alike. Through this film, we begin to understand that all of us are a vital piece of the Welcome, as veterans try to find the way back home. “Everyone should see this” (Ashland Daily Tidings).
This film series is part of the Billerica First Parish monthly community series of presentations about social justice issues. We are located at 7 Concord Road (on the common). Our building is handicapped accessible and all are welcome. Light refreshments served. For more information - www.uubillerica.org 978-663-2293.
On Sunday, Nov. 11th - We will ring the church bells at Billerica First Parish 11 times at 11 a.m. as was done across the world on the 11th month, the 11th day, at 11 a.m. in 1918 to celebrate and recognize the ending of WWI, " the war to end all wars. " and to commemorate the U.S. Congress declaration in 1938 that November 11 would be a holiday - "...a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace...."
Our worship service at 11:00 a.m., led by Rev Bruce Taylor, will include reflections by Veterans for Peace members, Bruce Macdonald and John Niles and readings from the Unitarian Universalist manual for soldiers and their families," Bless Those Who Serve". People of all faiths and beliefs are invited to attend.
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